- FIFA declined Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desire to send a message of peace
- FIFA declined Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desire to send a message of peace
- Zelensky intended to utilise the World Cup final to convey a message to the world about the continued Russian aggression
Fresh details indicate that FIFA declined Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desire to send a message of peace before the World Cup final.
Prior to Sunday’s match between Argentina and France, Zelensky offered to make a video link appearance for stadium spectators.
Zelensky intended to utilise the World Cup final to convey a message to the world about the continued Russian aggression towards Ukraine. Zelensky has delivered addresses at significant sporting and entertainment events both in person and via video link.
However, according to reports from the president’s office, FIFA rejected the request for Zelensky to appear on the displays inside the Lusail Stadium prior to the World Cup final. It is unknown if the link would be pre-recorded or live.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo by Vatican News
Zelensky’s office experienced “surprise” when their request was met with a “negative response.” The FIFA and Kyiv officials are still in communication.
According to CNN, who spoke with a source in Zelensky’s office that is the case. They told the BBC, ‘they believed FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good.’
The action by Zelensky is predictable. He has appeared at prestigious gatherings, such as the Grammy Awards and the Group of 20 Nations summit, to draw attention to the conflict in Ukraine.
FIFA and UEFA prohibited Russia from taking part in world football competitions after the invasion of Ukraine began in February. Since they had already won the right to compete in the play-offs, they were essentially excluded from the World Cup.
Effectively, political and social activism in Qatar is now prohibited by FIFA. After prohibiting the captains of seven European countries from wearing an armband in support of the LGBTQ+ population, who are being persecuted in the World Cup host nation, the governing body came under heavy fire.
During the team photo before the game, it caused Germany to conceal their mouths. They believed FIFA had silenced them.
Prior to Sunday’s match between Argentina and France, Zelensky wished to be seen on the screens at Lusail Stadium. Zelensky would have had a great opportunity to spread his message at the World Cup Final, which is likely to be aired to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The announcement was released on the same day that FIFA unveiled a brand-new 32-team club competition. Beginning in 2025, the Club World Cup will be effectively expanded.
fifa world cup 2022 prize money. Photo by Goal.com
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said this follows the postponement of the FIFA event that was set to begin in China in 2021 because of Covid-19 pandemic.
Infantino stated at a news conference before the Globe Cup final on Sunday that the new men’s Club World Cup will thus take place in 2005 and would feature 32 of the finest teams in the world.
It will proceed, he said, making it comparable to an international World Cup with 32 teams, but the specifics of allocations need to be reviewed and agreed with.
Infantino also mentioned that there will be a Women’s Club World Cup in 2025, though no other information was provided.
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