MOSCOW (AP) — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, who was banned from the Olympics for life over his country's doping scandals, has returned to a senior role in Russian football.
Mutko said late last year he would step aside temporarily as Russian Football Union president after the International Olympic Committee imposed the ban. FIFA welcomed that decision ahead of Russia hosting the World Cup this year.
The RFU says Mutko, who is still formally considered president, took part in a meeting on Wednesday to back Gianni Infantino's re-election bid next year as president of FIFA. The RFU didn't immediately respond to a question on clarifying Mutko's status.
Even after formally stepping aside, Mutko remained closely linked with Russian football and attended Russia national team training.
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