In a recent incident, FIFA is being urged by Ukrainian officials to apologize for an erroneous map displayed during the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which failed to recognize Crimea as part of Ukraine.
FIFA Faces Backlash from Ukraine Over Crimea Map Controversy
FIFA Faces Backlash from Ukraine Over Crimea Map Controversy
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry demands an apology after FIFA's map mishap excludes Crimea from its territory.
The map displayed at the World Cup draw has sparked outrage in Ukraine for presenting an incomplete and misleading geographical representation. Highlighting geopolitical tensions, the graphic pointed out countries that cannot compete against each other, including Ukraine, but omitted Crimea, a region that has been under Russian control since 2014. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhiy Tykhy, stated that FIFA's mistake constituted an "unacceptable error" and demanded a public apology for what he termed an act against international law that purportedly endorsed Russian narratives regarding the territory.
FIFA acknowledged the "issue" and promptly removed the image, yet Tykhy asserted that their actions contributed to the propagation of Russian propaganda and crimes against Ukraine. Along with a corrected version of the map, Tykhy took to social media platform X to express his grievances, emphasizing the importance of keeping Crimea recognized as Ukrainian territory.
Additionally, the Ukrainian Football Association has formally reached out to FIFA and UEFA leadership, articulating their profound concerns about FIFA's graphical representation during the December 13 draw. This correspondence referenced various resolutions and decisions made by both FIFA and UEFA regarding territorial integrity issued since 2014, reiterating that the presented map reflects inconsistency in these organizations' positions.
Despite ongoing tensions surrounding the status of Crimea, preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, set to commence on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. Ukraine has been drawn into Group D alongside Iceland and Azerbaijan, as well as an undisclosed opponent from France's Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia.
FIFA acknowledged the "issue" and promptly removed the image, yet Tykhy asserted that their actions contributed to the propagation of Russian propaganda and crimes against Ukraine. Along with a corrected version of the map, Tykhy took to social media platform X to express his grievances, emphasizing the importance of keeping Crimea recognized as Ukrainian territory.
Additionally, the Ukrainian Football Association has formally reached out to FIFA and UEFA leadership, articulating their profound concerns about FIFA's graphical representation during the December 13 draw. This correspondence referenced various resolutions and decisions made by both FIFA and UEFA regarding territorial integrity issued since 2014, reiterating that the presented map reflects inconsistency in these organizations' positions.
Despite ongoing tensions surrounding the status of Crimea, preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, set to commence on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. Ukraine has been drawn into Group D alongside Iceland and Azerbaijan, as well as an undisclosed opponent from France's Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia.
