Ukraine is demanding a public apology from the International Football Federation (FIFA) for the card used in the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw.
In a video released before the draw on Friday, a map showed that Crimea was not part of Ukraine. Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014, but the international community does not recognize it. “You acted not only against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes and criminal aggression against Ukraine”said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, on X on Saturday. He demanded a public apology.
A FIFA spokesperson said the image had been removed from the video and the situation had been discussed with the Ukrainians. Russia has been waging a war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine for almost three years. Ukraine has repeatedly announced its intention to liberate Crimea from Russian occupation.
2026 World Cup
Belgium
