The draw for the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an edition held across three countries for the first time – Mexico, the USA, and Canada – took place in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday.
However, the Ukrainian Football Federation reacted strongly to the images that emerged from the FIFA headquarters, following a blunder, we could even say a disastrous one, considering the ongoing military conflict between the neighboring country Romania and Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin.
During the televised broadcast of Friday’s event, FIFA used a map of Europe indicating that the Crimean Peninsula is not part of Ukraine. Subsequently, the body led by Infantino corrected the map and rectified its mistake, but without offering apologies to Ukraine, which caused dissatisfaction in Kiev. We are aware that, unfortunately, Crimea is under Russian occupation since 2014, following an illegal annexation.
“Considering several official decisions and resolutions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee starting from 2014, addressing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and protecting football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the terrorist Russian state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasize that the version of the map presented by FIFA during the event watched by millions of people is unacceptable.”
Are you OK, @FIFAcom?
By redrawing international borders in yesterday’s broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
We fixed the map for you and expect a public apology. pic.twitter.com/UAr7voKqGi
“It appears as an inconsistent stance from FIFA and UEFA on this crucial issue, especially in the context of the ongoing invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine, in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe,” the statement issued by the Ukrainian Football Federation reads.
Georhiy Tykhy, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that his country awaits “public apologies.”
And from FIFA came, albeit quite belatedly, the following message: “We confirm the receipt of your letter dated December 13, 2024, and we would like to thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We deeply respect the concerns expressed by the Ukrainian Football Association and understand the sensitivity of this issue,” the FIFA statement reads.
Ukraine was drawn into Group D, alongside the winner between France and Croatia, as well as Iceland and Azerbaijan.
D.A.
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