FIFA faces backlash from Ukraine over ‘unacceptable’ map that appeared to omit….

Ukraine has strongly criticised FIFA after the worldwide soccer governing physique displayed a map that appeared to exclude Crimea as a part of Ukraine. The controversy arose final week in the course of the European qualifier draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to happen within the US, Mexico, and Canada.

According to studies, FIFA’s map was meant to focus on international locations that can’t face one another for geopolitical causes, reminiscent of Ukraine vs Belarus, Armenia vs Azerbaijan, and Kosovo vs Serbia. However, in the course of the presentation, Crimea, which has been below Russian occupation since 2014, was excluded from Ukraine’s territory, sparking outrage in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy expressed his anger on social media platform X (previously Twitter), accusing FIFA of “redrawing” worldwide borders. “By redrawing international borders, you not only acted against international law but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and aggression against Ukraine,” he wrote, tagging FIFA and demanding an apology.

Are you OK, @FIFAcom?

By redrawing worldwide borders in yesterday’s broadcast, you not solely acted towards worldwide regulation, but in addition supported Russian propaganda, battle crimes, and the crime of aggression towards Ukraine.

We fastened the map for you and count on a public apology. pic.twitter.com/UAr7voKqGi

— Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) December 14, 2024

The Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) additionally issued a proper letter to FIFA, calling the map “completely unacceptable” and inconsistent with earlier choices by FIFA and UEFA since 2014. The UAF urged FIFA to deal with the problem instantly.

Responding to the backlash, FIFA launched a press release acknowledging the issue. “FIFA is aware of an issue that affected one of the graphics shown during the draw and has addressed the situation with the Federation. The segment has been removed.”