During the draw for the 2026 World Cup, the International Football Federation (FIFA) showed a map of Ukraine without the temporarily occupied Crimea during a live broadcast. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reacted to this, UNN writes.
FIFA explained that a number of national teams will be placed in different groups, so some cannot play against each other, such as Ukraine and Belarus, Kosovo and Serbia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, etc.
That's when the map appeared on the screen, showing Ukraine without Crimea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responded to this.
"Are you ok, FIFA?
By redrawing the international borders on 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 have corrected the map for you and expect a public apology," wrote the Foreign Minister's spokesman, Heorhiy Tykhyi, on his page on X.
He added the correct map of Ukraine to the post.