Russian teams won’t play in U17 Euros qualifying after UEFA fails to make new policy work

By GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writer

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Russia will not be allowed to take part in qualifying for the Under-17 European Championship this month after all. European soccer governing body UEFA decided on Tuesday it could not insert Russia into its men’s and women’s youth competitions following widespread opposition from member federations. Two weeks ago UEFA surprisingly eased its policy that all Russia’s national and club teams be excluded from international competitions because of the invasion of Ukraine. The move provoked a split in UEFA’s executive committee. At least 12 of the 55 European member federations said their teams would continue to refuse to play games against Russia. UEFA says “no technical solution to allow Russian teams to play could be found.”