Shakhtar Donetsk's chief executive, Sergei Palkin, has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding he visit Ukraine to witness the war's devastation instead of proposing Russia's return to football. Palkin's comments came on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, highlighting the human cost: estimates suggest over 140,000 Ukrainians and 325,000 Russians have died. Infantino's recent remarks, suggesting the Russia ban hasn't worked and created 'frustration and hatred,' were branded 'irresponsible' and 'infantile' by Ukraine's sports minister.

Palkin stressed the contrast with UEFA's support, noting FIFA's Annex 7 rules cost Shakhtar an estimated €60 million ($70.65m) in lost transfer revenue as players left without fees. He argued Infantino should focus on rebuilding Ukraine's football infrastructure, destroyed by the war, rather than integrating Russia, calling it a 'betrayal' of football's 'one family' ideal.