FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for lifting the ban on Russia's participation in international football competitions on February 2, 2026, stating the sanctions "achieved nothing" and only "increased frustration and hatred," according to Sky News as reported by @wartranslated on X during the 29-minute reporting window from 3:45:53 PM to 4:15:33 PM UTC. Infantino made the remarks in a statement criticizing football bans and boycotts, as detailed in the Sky News article linked by @wartranslated. The call comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. No immediate response from Ukrainian officials or football governing bodies was reported in this period. The statement follows earlier developments such as veterans' rallies in Cherkasy demanding probes into a January 27 police shooting, as noted in Suspilne reports from the prior reporting window.
