The Ukrainian Football Association has addressed the FIFA, AFC, UEFA, and Qatar Football Association regarding an announced friendly match between the national teams of Qatar and Russia scheduled for September 7, 2025, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan.

The letter notes that this initiative contradicts decisions made by the FIFA Council and UEFA Executive Committee in February 2022 regarding the exclusion of all Russian teams—national and club—from participation in international competitions.

“The harsh war is still ongoing. The Russian Federation daily strikes at Ukrainian cities and villages, killing civilians—children, women, elderly people. Any involvement in matches with teams from the RF directly supports a terrorist regime responsible for the war and war crimes”, — it is emphasized in the letter.

Particular concern is raised by Qatar's position, which recently hosted the final stages of the World Cup and presented itself to the world as a country dedicated to principles of peace, respect, and humanity.

The UAF calls on FIFA, AFC, and the Qatar Football Association to take appropriate measures:

— review decisions regarding the planned game;

— adhere to decisions made by football governing bodies;

— maintain unity within the football community in opposition to aggression and in defense of universal values.

Official letter from UAF to FIFA, AFC, UEFA, and Qatar Football Association

"Unfortunately, information from open sources has once again appeared regarding the disregard for clear and still valid decisions by the FIFA Council and UEFA Executive Committee concerning the exclusion of all Russian teams—both national teams and clubs—from participation in international football competitions. Specifically, according to announcements on the official pages of the Qatar Football Federation, a friendly match between the national team of Qatar and Russia's national team is scheduled for September 7, 2025, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan.

We wish to emphasize that the mentioned decision by football governing bodies, adopted in February 2022 as a response to Russia's full-scale war against sovereign Ukraine, remains just and valid. The harsh war continues to this day, devastating our country and taking thousands of civilian lives—children, women, elderly people, destroying cities and villages, still without accountability. This decision was made with the aim that it be respected by all members of the global football community. It also provides for all members of the World Football Family to remain united in its observance, defending human values and dedication to the cause of peace and life.

Playing against teams from Russia means supporting a Russian terrorist regime responsible for war in Europe and accepting war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Especially troubling is observing such a situation with Qatar—a country that recently proudly hosted the final stages of the FIFA World Cup, positioning itself before the world as a progressive and peace-oriented state.

We urgently call on FIFA and AFC to review this described situation, and our colleagues from the Qatar Football Association—to reconsider their decision regarding Russia's national team participation in the friendly match.

The Ukrainian football community, representing the entire Ukrainian people, hopes for your solidarity and decisive actions.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding."