In a candid interview with Match TV, renowned Soviet figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova shared her views on UEFA’s decision to suspend Russia’s youth national teams from the 2024 European Championship qualifying tournament. Tarasova argued that the measures taken by European football authorities unfairly penalize young athletes and deny them a vital stage to grow and compete on the international scene.
Tarasova described UEFA officials as displaying a harsh and at times unscrupulous approach. She emphasized that the futures of young players hang in the balance and should not be sacrificed for political or disciplinary considerations. Her point was clear: children deserve the chance to play, learn, and represent their country on the field, and the current approach threatens to derail promising careers for reasons that extend beyond the pitch.
The episode recalls the broader backdrop from spring 2022, when FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their governance. During that period, the national team was restricted to friendly matches, and upcoming fixtures included matchups against teams such as Cameroon and Kenya in October of that year. Tarasova’s remarks connect this sequence of events to a broader conversation about fairness, opportunity, and the long-term impact on young athletes who dream of competing at the highest levels.
There were developments from UEFA leadership as well. UEFA President Aleksandar Čeferin announced a potential return for Russia’s under-17 women’s and men’s teams to international competition on September 26, and subsequent reports in October suggested that the organization might revisit or revise this decision. Tarasova cited these evolving positions as part of a larger pattern in which policy shifts can dramatically alter the trajectory of young players who have trained for years with the goal of international exposure.
In the broader context of coaching and national sports strategy, the debate touches on the responsibilities of governing bodies to balance competitive integrity with the development and welfare of young athletes. Former Ural coach Igor Shalimov has also weighed in on the topic, calling for decisive action in response to the ongoing restrictions and the recurring cycle of bans. The conversation reflects a shared concern among coaches, players, and fans about how to sustain paths to international competition for youth teams in a landscape shaped by political and organizational decisions. [citation: Match TV interview and subsequent reporting]
Tarasova’s perspective centers on three core themes: opportunity, development, and fairness. Opportunity means giving young players consistent chances to compete against their peers at a high level. Development underscores the idea that international matches accelerate technique, strategic understanding, and mental toughness—elements that are essential for long-term success in any sport. Fairness concerns address the ethical implications of excluding players from national teams for reasons not directly tied to their individual performance. By highlighting these points, Tarasova reinforces the view that athletes, particularly youths, should be shielded from the collateral consequences of political or administrative decisions. The discussion is not about denying accountability or ignoring the consequences of sanctions, but about ensuring that the youngest and most promising players are not left behind in times of upheaval. [citation: Tarasova interview and related coverage]
As the calendar moves forward, the sports community watches closely how governing bodies—both in football and in other disciplines—navigate the tension between governance, discipline, and the imperative to nurture future generations. Tarasova’s remarks contribute to a broader public dialogue about whether present actions will bolster long-term health of the sport or complicate the development pathways for the next generation of athletes. They also remind audiences that the impact of decisions reaches beyond a single tournament or season, shaping careers and national teams for years to come. [citation: ongoing coverage and statements by officials]