It became known which European countries supported the return of Russia to official tournaments under the aegis of UEFA during a secret meeting of the Executive Committee of the European organization in Albania on September 11, bTV reports.
The key vote on the fate of the national team and clubs of the country will take place in Belgium next February. And about ten days ago, a preliminary survey was conducted among European countries.
Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan have expressed support for the full return of Russia to the Old World football.
Sweden, Finland, and Norway advocate for the easing of the complete ban. They suggest allowing women’s and youth teams. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic are ready to discuss this option if UEFA agrees.
Categorically against any concessions are Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland.
The positions of the remaining UEFA members are unknown. There were also discussions in the corridors about the idea of transferring Russia under the aegis of the Asian Confederation.
Russian national and club teams were removed from all official tournaments after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The previous attempt by UEFA to allow the youth teams of the country back in 2023 met with threats of mass boycotts.