New Delhi: Reportedly, FIFA has rejected Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to share a ‘message of world peace’ via video conference at the World Cup finals in Qatar. There were talks between Ukraine and FIFA, which ended in a rejection. Qatar and FIFA have been facing backlash for various reasons including human rights violations, the OneLove band ban, the ban on rainbow outfits and other political reasons.
At a press conference, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that FIFA had stopped some political statements in Qatar as they gave to “take care of everyone.” He said that FIFA is protecting the values and human rights of everyone present at the tournament. Infantino added that people watching on television want a ‘little moment of joy’ from the 90 or 120 minutes of the game and they have to give these moments to the fans.
While FIFA is trying to keep politics out of the tournament there have been incidents where fans have entered the field with a rainbow flag as a sign of protest and have held banners with their political opinions in the stadiums.
Before the commencement of the World Cup, FIFA barred the Russian football team from participation. The sports’ governing authorities took a decision to suspend all Russian teams from participation in FIFA and UEFA tournaments, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Gianni Infantino also called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for the duration of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup final will be played on December 18 (Sunday) between Argentina and France at 8:30 pm IST.
