FIFA includes Russia in boys' Under-15 World Cup draw in Azerbaijan, first return since 2022 ban

FIFA has included Russia in the draw for the boys' Under-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled for October 24-30 in Azerbaijan. This marks Russia's first participation in a FIFA tournament since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine led to a ban. The Russian team is grouped with Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. The event features 191 teams, with Ukraine, Germany, and the Netherlands not participating. This decision follows the IOC's lifting of its recommendation to ban Russian athletes and the provisional suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, signaling a gradual return of Russia to international sports.