FIFA has announced that Russian teams may participate in its inaugural Under-15 Festival, marking a potential return to international youth competition for the nation after a more than four-year ban following the invasion of Ukraine. The festival is open to all of FIFA’s 211 member associations, allowing Russia to enter a team for the first time since 2022. This decision does not affect Russia’s exclusion from senior-level competitions, which remains in place. FIFA stated the festival aims to foster development at the grassroots level and is not considered a formal qualifying tournament. The move is likely to draw criticism given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and international sanctions against Russia. Details regarding security and oversight for the Russian team’s participation have not yet been released. The festival is scheduled to take place later this year.