“Lost Its Valuable Understanding of Soccer” – Ukraine Fires Shots at FIFA in a Strong Statement for Refusing President Zelensky’s Request for ‘Words of Peace’ Ahead of World Cup Final

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office has hit back at FIFA for rejecting the request of the President to share a message of peace before the World Cup final. The World Cup final will take place today between France and Argentina.

Ukraine’s President wants to share his video message on one of the biggest stages of the sport.

As a huge number of fans around the globe will see the final, Zelensky thinks it’s the perfect moment. Although FIFA rejected the request, there is still talk going on.

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office responds to FIFA

The President’s office released the statement after the denial. Zelensky’s office has hit back, claiming that soccer’s governing body has forgotten the values the sport has given to the world.

The statement said, “Qatar supported the President’s initiative, but FIFA blocked the initiative and will not allow the video address of the president to be shown before the final game. FIFA has lost its valuable understanding of soccer–as a game that unites peoples, rather than supporting existing divisions.”

Zelensky recorded a video with the message in English appealing for peace. Although, FIFA on Friday rejected the request claiming the video to be political. Meanwhile, the office of Zelensky thinks there is nothing political in the video message, and FIFA should reconsider.

Ukraine’s MEA is still hopeful that they will show the video of Zelensky. The talks are ongoing with the soccer’s apex body.

They think soccer is a sport that unites the people and is a symbol of fair play, and the soccer body will change its mind and let the world hear the message of peace from Ukraine’s President.

The apex soccer body wants the politics away from the game

FIFA has been firm in its stance that the World Cup is a sporting event and politics needs to be kept away. They warned the participating countries about their protests and statements regarding human rights and asked them to focus only on soccer.

Read More: After Their Controversial Stand on LGBTQ Protests, FIFA Rejects Ukrainian President Zelensky’s Request Ahead of World Cup Final

European teams wanted to wear the pride armbands, but FIFA told them there will be repercussions for wearing the armbands. FIFA said captains will get a yellow card at the start if they wear the armbands. As a result, European countries decided to follow what the governing body said.

President Gianni Infantino during his press conference accused the West and Europe of hypocrisy. He was not happy with the stance of several countries.

Many of them were focusing on Qatar’s human rights issues and wanted everyone to shift their focus to the event. The soccer body recently claimed Qatar World Cup is the best in history.

Looking at the popularity of the 32 nations’ tournament, it will rethink the new proposed format for the 2026 edition.

Watch this story: Serena Williams Husband Alexis Ohanian Brings In FIFA World Cup Numbers to Declare Women’s Soccer Popularity in Us Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone

Do you think FIFA will accept the request of Ukraine’s President? Is FIFA right to keep away the politics from the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.