Full Breakdown
Shakhtar Donetsk's Critique of FIFA President Gianni Infantino
2/26/2026, 5:00:31 AM
Context of the Criticism
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Shakhtar Donetsk's chief executive, Sergei Palkin, has publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino for suggesting that Russia could rejoin international football. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions and the suspension of Russian football clubs and national teams from FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 2022.
Key Figures and Statements
Palkin's remarks highlight a growing frustration among Ukrainian football officials regarding FIFA's handling of the situation. He emphasized that Infantino should visit Ukraine to witness the war's destruction firsthand instead of making statements about reintegration. Palkin stated, "Reintegrating Russia while Ukraine suffers from this war is a betrayal of the sport's 'one family' claim." He also called for Infantino to focus on creating a fund to rebuild sports infrastructure in Ukraine, which has suffered significant damage due to the conflict.
Dario Srna, Shakhtar's sporting director, echoed Palkin's sentiments, criticizing FIFA for its lack of support. He remarked, "FIFA didn't do nothing for us... They must protect the club, the players, the football." Srna contrasted FIFA's inaction with the support received from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who has been actively involved in assisting Ukrainian clubs.
Impact on Ukrainian Football
The introduction of Annex 7 to FIFA's regulations, which allowed foreign players in Russia and Ukraine to unilaterally suspend their contracts, has had severe financial repercussions for Shakhtar Donetsk. Palkin estimated that the club has lost around €60 million ($70.65 million) in revenue due to approximately 15 players leaving without transfer fees. This financial strain has exacerbated the already critical situation for Ukrainian football, as many clubs struggle to maintain operations amid ongoing conflict.
Official Responses
FIFA has not issued a comment regarding Palkin's criticisms or the broader concerns raised by Ukrainian football officials. In contrast, UEFA's proactive engagement has been noted positively by Shakhtar's management, highlighting a stark difference in the two organizations' approaches to supporting Ukrainian football during the crisis.
Criticism and Opposition
The criticism directed at FIFA reflects a broader sentiment among Ukrainian football stakeholders who feel abandoned by the organization. Palkin's call for Infantino to witness the destruction in Ukraine underscores a demand for accountability and a more compassionate response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
What's Next
As the conflict continues, the future of Russian football's reintegration into international competitions remains uncertain. The ongoing dialogue between Ukrainian football officials and international governing bodies will likely shape the landscape of football in the region as they seek to rebuild and recover from the war's impact.
