Sweden denies entry to Russian athletes in European Championship
Sweden to Exclude Russian U-17 Team from Euro Championship Final
In a statement released on September 27, the Swedish football association announced that the Russian U-17 team will not be allowed to participate in the Euro Championship final scheduled for May 2024 in Sweden. This decision comes amidst international bans on Russian teams due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The association expressed its belief that the Swedish teams of any age should not face-off against the Russian team, regardless of whether the matches take place in Sweden or abroad. Previously, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had permitted Russian teams of players aged 17 and under to participate in international competitions. However, the women's and men's teams are now expected to play without a flag, anthem, and not in Russia.
The European Women's Championship, featuring eight teams, is set to be held in Sweden from May 5 to 18, 2024. The exclusion of the Russian U-17 team follows England's previous refusal to play against Russian youth football teams.
In February 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of Russia in international competitions, including European championships and World Cups, following recommendations by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the Russian Football Union appealed. While the specific mention of the U-17 team's participation in the 2024 U-17 Euro Championship in Sweden is not detailed, the general suspension of Russian teams from international competitions would likely apply to all age groups, including U-17 teams.
The Swedish football association's decision not to allow the Russian U-17 team to participate in the Euro Championship final may extend to other European leagues, given the ongoing ban on Russian teams from international competitions. Additionally, unlike the senior teams, the Russian U-17 team might still be barred from participating in the Champions League or any other European leagues due to the sanctions against Russia.
