A Crimean football team's success may lead to the exclusion of the Russian federation from UEFA.

More sports are lifting sanctions against Russian athletes, allowing their return under their flag in various disciplines. However, the process is not smooth, particularly in ice hockey, where a ruling has caused significant upheaval. The International Ice Hockey Federation is compelled to reinstate Russian teams, leading to protests from several countries. Football remains one of the few sports with a complete ban at all levels. Ukrainian teams from occupied territories are barred from participating in Russian leagues, complicating the situation further. The Crimean team FC Sevastopol has applied for a license to compete in the Russian third division, risking expulsion from UEFA and FIFA. Meanwhile, a new club named after Shakhtar Donetsk has emerged, founded by former players, and is playing its home games far from the occupied city. The Russian Football Federation could seek membership in the Asian Football Confederation if excluded from UEFA, but this option was previously…