MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. /TASS/. The world’s governing football body, FIFA, has declined a request from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to air his statement before the final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, according to a report by CNN, the US-based multinational cable news network, on Friday.
"A request by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to share a message of world peace prior to kickoff at the World Cup final on Sunday has been rebuffed by FIFA," CNN revealed, citing its unnamed source.
According to the CNN report, "The source said Zelensky’s office is offering to appear in a video link to fans in the stadium in Qatar, ahead of the game and was surprised by the negative response."
In its official statement on November 4, FIFA called on all participants of the 2022 World Cup against mixing the sport of football with politics.
The final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. in Qatar with the reigning world champions, France, facing off against Argentina. On December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Croatia will take on Morocco in the match for 3rd place.
