In a significant escalation of diplomatic and symbolic tensions, Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has been added to the database of Myrotvorets, a notorious Ukrainian website often referred to as a state-affiliated “kill list”. The platform, which functions as a public repository for the personal information of individuals deemed “enemies of Ukraine,” has accused the head of world football’s governing body of facilitating Russian interests.
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Allegations of Propaganda and Collaboration
The Myrotvorets database alleges that Infantino is guilty of “humanitarian aggression against Ukraine” and has provided “systemic cooperation and support” to the Russian Federation. Central to the website’s justification is Infantino’s history with the Kremlin, specifically his receipt of the Order of Friendship from President Vladimir Putin in 2019 following the successful delivery of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The listing further claims that Infantino has assisted in spreading Russian “propaganda” within the realm of international sport. These accusations have gained fresh momentum following a recent interview in which Infantino expressed hope for the reintegration of Russian footballers into international competition. He argued that indefinite boycotts serve only to foster “further frustration and hatred.”
Intense Diplomatic Backlash
The reaction from Kyiv has been one of unmitigated fury. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha delivered a blistering assessment of the FIFA President, labelling him “morally degenerate.” Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA and UEFA have largely maintained a ban on Russian teams, a stance Infantino now appears to be questioning.
Conversely, Moscow continues to denounce these exclusions as discriminatory. On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s position, stating that “sport and the Olympic movement should never be weaponised for political ends.”
Contextualizing the Myrotvorets Database
| Feature | Description |
| Established | 2014, following the annexation of Crimea. |
| Official Status | Claims independence but maintains ties to security services (SBU). |
| Notable Data | Publishes home addresses, phone numbers, and passport details. |
| The “Elimination” Slot | Includes a “Date of Elimination” field beneath the date of birth. |
| Precedent | Several individuals on the list have died under mysterious circumstances. |
A Dangerous Precedent for Sport
The inclusion of a high-profile international diplomat like Infantino on such a list highlights the precarious intersection of global sport and geopolitical warfare. Myrotvorets is infamous for its “liquidated” status updates, which appear on the profiles of listed individuals who are subsequently killed, such as the journalist Oles Buzina or the activist Darya Dugina.
By placing a global sporting figure in its crosshairs, the platform—and by extension its proponents in the Ukrainian security apparatus—is signaling that “neutrality” in the current conflict is regarded as a hostile act.