FIFA has apparently rejected a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he would deliver a peace message before the start of the World Cup final on Sunday. This is reported by the American TV channel CNN based on an unnamed source.
Accordingly, Selenskyj offered to send a video message to Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which will host the World Cup final between Argentina and defending champions France on Sunday (4 p.m. in the live ticker on Watson). It is unclear whether the video message would be live or recorded.
Apparently the talks are not over yet
According to the report, Zelenskyy was surprised by FIFA’s cancellation. “We thought FIFA wanted to use their platform for the public good,” CNN quoted the source as saying.
However, the decision could change as talks with FIFA continue. FIFA has not yet responded.
In the past, Zelenskyj had repeatedly used major events to highlight Russia’s aggressive war against his country. He appeared with a video message at the G20 summit, at the Grammy Awards in the US and at the Cannes Film Festival. He also repeatedly gave larger interviews, most recently with the American talker David Letterman.
FIFA prohibits political messages
FIFA, on the other hand, tried to avoid political messages during the tournament. Among other things, she banned the “One Love” captain’s armband, which some European countries (including Germany) wanted to wear during the World Cup, and threatened sports sanctions.
On the other hand, the repeated display of Palestinian flags by supporters and players from Muslim-dominated countries has not stopped until now.
Fifa president Infantino said at a press conference on Friday that “political statements” should be stopped because “everyone had to be taken care of”.
“We are a world organization and we don’t discriminate against anyone,” Infantino said. And further:
Sources
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
