The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has reportedly supported Russia’s reinstatement into UEFA competitions, according to information revealed by BGNES and Russian media outlets.
The position was allegedly presented during a confidential UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Albania on September 11, where discussions served as a preparatory step toward a decisive vote scheduled for February 2026 in Belgium.
Russia has been banned from all UEFA competitions since February 2022, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both national teams and clubs remain barred, making any potential return a highly sensitive issue within European football.
Alongside Bulgaria, seven nations have expressed clear support for Russia’s return. These include Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Their collective stance signals a growing bloc within UEFA in favor of reinstating Russian participation.
Meanwhile, several countries have indicated a willingness to consider limited reinstatement. Sweden, Finland, and Norway have suggested they might accept Russia’s participation in women’s and youth tournaments, but not in men’s senior competitions.
Other nations such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic have left the door open for negotiations under UEFA’s direction, signaling a softer but cautious approach to the issue.
Strong resistance, however, remains from key European football powers and Ukraine’s allies. Poland, the Baltic states, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland have all voiced firm opposition to Russia’s return.
The polarized landscape reflects not only football governance but also broader political divisions stemming from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. UEFA, while operating as a sporting body, has found itself at the center of a geopolitical dispute with implications beyond the pitch.
Reports also suggest informal talks have taken place regarding the possibility of Russia leaving UEFA entirely and joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). While no formal steps have been taken, the idea has been floated as an alternative path should European opposition prove insurmountable.
It is unclear whether the Bulgarian Football Union was directly represented at the Albania meeting or whether its stance was communicated remotely. Nonetheless, its reported position adds weight to the group of nations openly backing Russia’s reinstatement.
With the final decision scheduled for 2026, the months ahead are expected to feature intense lobbying, political maneuvering, and debates within UEFA. The outcome could reshape not only Russia’s footballing future but also UEFA’s role in balancing politics with sport.