New Delhi: FIFA has apologised to Ukraine after a map displayed during the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw left Crimea excluded from Ukrainian territory. The incident occurred during Friday’s event in Zurich, where 54 teams were drawn for the European qualifiers. Ukraine’s Crimea region, illegally occupied by Russia since 2014, was not shown as part of the country.
The Ukrainian government reacted swiftly, criticising FIFA’s mistake. Heorhii Tykhyi, a government spokesman, shared his frustration on social media platform X, saying, “Are you OK, FIFA? We fixed the map for you and expect a public apology.” FIFA responded by issuing a letter from Elkhan Mammadov, the chief member association officer, acknowledging the error.
“We understand the sensitivity of this matter. Although unintentional, we deeply regret any concern it caused,” Mammadov wrote.
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
FIFA revealed the map was provided by an external supplier and promised a review of its processes to avoid similar mistakes. However, this controversy comes amidst ongoing tensions, as FIFA and UEFA banned Russian teams from international competitions in February 2022. The ban followed the military invasion of Ukraine and fears that games involving Russian teams would be disrupted.
Ukraine’s qualifying group includes either France or Croatia, along with Iceland and Azerbaijan. The group winner will secure direct entry to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the runner-up will face a playoff in March 2026.
This incident highlights how geopolitical issues continue to intertwine with global football, sparking reactions and reminders about the delicate nature of such matters.
FIFA apologised for excluding Crimea from Ukraine’s map during the World Cup qualifying draw, sparking backlash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
