A request from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to share a message of peace via video link at the World Cup final between Argentina and France has reportedly been rejected by FIFA.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly been denied an opportunity to share a message of peace ahead of the World Cup final by FIFA chiefs.
CNN report that Zelensky’s office wanted to speak to spectators via video link amid the ongoing Russian invasion, but were rebuffed by the governing body.
However, it was added that talks between Ukraine and FIFA were ongoing, with Zelensky working hard to keep the global spotlight on the Russian war.
CNN quote their source as saying: “We thought FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good.”
The former comedian and actor appeared in video links as the Grammys as well as the Cannes Film Festival among others, also doing interviews with Sean Penn and David Letterman.
FIFA has worked hard to keep political messages out of the Qatar World Cup, refusing to allow nations to wear the One love armband with Gianni Infantino asking for focus on football only.
The letter sent to the 32 nations by the FIFA president and secretary general Fatma Samoura said: “Please, let’s now focus on the football!
“We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world.
“But please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”
The World Cup final will be contested by Argentina and reigning champions France at the Lusail Stadium, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe going head-to-head.
Credit: CNN