Mesut Özil calls on FIFA to lift ban on Russian teams

Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil has called on FIFA to end double standards and allow Russian teams to participate in international tournaments.

Operativ Media reports that on October 21, Özil attended a friendly match between veterans of Zenit and Istanbul Basaksehir (2:3) in Istanbul.

In a video released by Istanbul Basaksehir, he criticized FIFA's stance and called for an equal approach toward teams from all countries.

“The sports community has always united people. FIFA did not impose a ban on Israeli teams, but it took such a step against Russian teams. I appeal to FIFA from here: put aside double standards and treat everyone the same,” Özil said.

Note that in February 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russian national teams and clubs from competitions under their auspices. In June of that year, FIFA permitted Russia's under-15 boys' and girls' national teams to participate in the 2026 World Cup.