AssetID: 55824596
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: MEPs Urge FIFA To Reverse Russia Youth World Cup Decision
Caption: MEPs Urge FIFA To Reverse Russia Youth World Cup Decision. Forty-four members of the European Parliament have urged Gianni Infantino to reverse FIFA's decision to allow Russian teams to compete at this year's inaugural U-15 World Cup. The lawmakers said Russia should remain suspended until it enters peace talks with Ukraine, agrees to a ceasefire and returns Ukrainian children taken from occupied territories. In a letter, the MEPs accused Russia of forcibly taking around 20,000 Ukrainian children and urged FIFA to "stand on the side of peace.” FIFA banned Russia from its competitions after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine but lifted the blanket ban for youth competitions in 2023. Last week, FIFA announced its first U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, saying the tournament would be open to all member associations. The MEPs warned Russia's participation could trigger boycotts by other nations and undermine the integrity of the competition. Ukraine’s football federation has previously said it will not compete in tournaments involving Russia. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,FIFA,Gianni Infantino,Russia,Ukraine,U-15 World Cup,European Parliament,football,Azerbaijan,Russian teams,youth football,MEPs,ceasefire,war
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