XtraTime Web Desk: Russia could be on the verge of returning to FIFA competitions for the first time since its suspension following the country's military invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

FIFA has announced that the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan this October, will be open to all FIFA member associations. The decision could pave the way for Russia's participation in an official FIFA tournament once again.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA and UEFA jointly suspended Russian national teams and clubs from all international competitions. However, in 2023, FIFA lifted the ban on Russia's U-17 men's and women's national teams.

Despite that decision, Russia's youth teams have yet to compete in FIFA or UEFA tournaments, as several European nations—including Ukraine and England—have maintained their opposition to facing Russian teams.

In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that all member associations will be eligible to enter their boys' U-15 teams in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

FIFA also outlined the future format of the competition, stating: "The first edition will be open to boys' U-15 national teams from all FIFA member associations. The second edition in 2027 will feature only girls' teams. From 2028 onwards, separate U-15 competitions for boys and girls will be held, with all FIFA member associations invited to participate."

The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will be held in Azerbaijan from October 22 to October 31.

If implemented as announced, the decision would allow a Russian national team to participate in a FIFA-organized competition for the first time since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022.