# Ukraine Asks European Associations Not to Play Against Russia U17s
The Ukrainian Football Association (FA) has written to all European associations asking them not to play against Russia U17s following UEFA’s decision to re-admit national teams from the country at youth level. This comes after UEFA made the surprise reversal earlier this week and is now deciding how to integrate the teams back into the male and female European championships, due to take place next year, given the respective qualifying draws have already been made.
## England and Sweden Refuse to Play Against Russia U17s
The English Football Association (FA) has [already said it will not allow England to play Russia](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66927138). Sweden has also said its U17 side will not host Russia in the upcoming Under-17 male European Championship finals due to be played in Cyprus next year, with women’s equivalent scheduled for May in Sweden.
## UEFA President’s Stance on Youth Players
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said that youth players should not be held accountable for the actions of the Russian Government, but evidently this stance is not accepted by the Ukrainians, who want the decision overturned. In its letter the Ukraine FA says: “We are convinced any step towards reintegration of Russian representatives is a hazardous and terrifying trend, which means nothing but support to the Russian terrorist state and all their crimes committed in Ukraine.”
## UEFA’s Previous Sanctions Against Russia
After banning the country’s teams from European competition, UEFA also revoked Russia’s hosting rights for the 2022 Champions League final and 2023 Super Cup – due to be held in Saint Petersburg and Kazan respectively – as well as cancelling the sponsorship contract with state-owned energy giant Gazprom.
## Conclusion
The Ukrainian FA’s letter to all European associations asking them not to play against Russia U17s highlights the ongoing tension between the two countries and the disagreement between UEFA and Ukraine over the reintegration of Russian teams into European competitions at youth level. It remains to be seen how UEFA will respond to Ukraine’s request and how it will integrate Russia back into the male and female European championships next year given that the respective qualifying draws have already been made.