CNN reports that the request by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to attend via video link before the World Cup final in Qatar on Sunday has been denied by the organisation FIFA.
Before the match between the defending champions France and Argentina at the Lusail Stadium, which is expected to be viewed by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, Zelensky allegedly offered to impart a message of “global peace.”
According to CNN, FIFA rejected the petition, which left Zelensky’s staff “surprised by the unfavourable answer.”
Despite the seeming rejection, FIFA and Ukraine are reportedly in talks. It’s unclear whether the message was live or pre-recorded.
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Throughout the tournament in Qatar, FIFA has been obliged to address the issue of politics interfering with football.
Several European teams said that their leaders will wear “One Love” armbands to support LGBT rights and other causes prior to the game’s start.
FIFA, which announced its own set of statements for the competition, including “no prejudice” and “football unifies the world,” compelled them to back down under threat of punishment.
In a letter sent to the 32 participating countries prior to the event, FIFA asked teams to “concentrate on the football” in Qatar.
Given the extent Zelensky and his staff have taken to draw attention to their cause during the war with Russia, the Ukrainian plea for publicity may not come as a surprise.
Even video speeches to events like the Grammy Awards in the US have been made by the leader of Ukraine.
In terms of sports, Zelensky spoke by phone with IOC President Thomas Bach this week after meeting him in person in Kiev earlier this year.
FIFA’s apparent attitude on keeping politics out of football is in contrast to the end of February suspension it put on all Russian teams from participating in its tournaments.
The Russian team was denied the opportunity to advance to the World Cup in Qatar due to the sanctions.
In addition, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, used his appearance at the G20 summit on the eve of the competition to urge Russia and Ukraine to take into account “a temporary ceasefire for one month for the duration of the World Cup, or at least the implementation of some humanitarian corridors or anything that could lead to the resumption of dialogue as a first step to peace.”
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