FIFA have reportedly turned down Volodymyr Zelensky's request to deliver a speech before the World Cup final kicks off on Sunday. The Ukrainian president asked to be given the opportunity to issue a message of world peace ahead of Argentina's clash with France but has had his request being denied.
Before the showpiece began in Qatar, FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a plea for a calm to be restored in Ukraine for the duration of the World Cup. The competition itself has had a hefty share of bad air with issues spanning across LGBTQ+ rights as well as the working conditions of migrant workers in the Middle Eastern country. However, through it all, FIFA has distanced itself from any political messaging despite kicking Russia out of the competition before the UEFA play-off matches took place some nine months ago.
With Sunday's final between Argentina and France set to climax what has been a memorable campaign, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was looking forward to making an appearance to preach cease fire. The 44-year-old who has been given the chance to speak on the subject at major events such as the G20 Nations summit, Grammys and the Cannes Film Festival has, however, had his request turned down.
On Friday, A CNN report claimed that Zelensky offered to appear in a video which he had planned to broadcast to fans in the stadium before kickoff. But they have since been meet with a negative response although talks are still said to be ongoing.
"We thought FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good," said a source speaking to CNN.
At a news conference Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that world football's governing bodt had stopped some "political statements" in Qatar because it has to "take care of everyone."
"We are a global organization and we don't discriminate against anyone," Infantino said.
"We are defending values, we are defending human rights and rights of everyone at the World Cup.
"Those fans and the billions watching on TV, they have their own problems. They just want to watch 90 or 120 minutes without having to think about anything, but just enjoying a little moment of pleasure and joy.
"We have to give them a moment when they can forget about their problems and enjoy football."
