UAF appeals to FIFA and UEFA over incorrect map of Ukraine during World Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw broadcast

13.12.2024 17:26

The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) has sent a letter to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström and UEFA Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis regarding an unacceptable error in the depiction of Ukraine’s map during the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers draw.

"We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasize that the version of the map presented by FIFA during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. It appears as an inconsistent stance by FIFA and UEFA on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe," the letter states.