FIFA sparks outrage by displaying map of Ukraine without Crimea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on FIFA to apologize for displaying a map of Ukraine without Crimea during the broadcast of the 2026 World Cup draw results.
This was reported by Rubryka, quoting Heorhii Tykhyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"By redrawing international borders in yesterday's broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine," Tykhyi stated.
He also urged FIFA to issue an apology for the incident.
Are you OK, @FIFAcom?
By redrawing international borders in yesterday's broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
We fixed the map for you and expect a public apology. pic.twitter.com/UAr7voKqGi
— Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) December 14, 2024
What preceded?
Before the 2026 World Cup draw began, FIFA displayed a map of Europe showing the countries that were separated to ensure they wouldn't be placed in the same qualifying group. The map highlighted Ukraine and Belarus, Kosovo and Serbia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, the map depicted Ukraine without Crimea.
Russia was not included in the draw for the 2026 World Cup, as FIFA had banned them from participating due to the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In response to the map incident, the Ukrainian Football Association sent a letter to the FIFA Secretary General and the UEFA Secretary General.
