FIFA reacts to scandal with map showing Ukraine without Crimea

FIFA has explained the situation with the infographic map depicting Ukraine without Crimea, noting that the map was created by an external contractor, and emphasized that the incident occurred unintentionally, UNN reports with reference to the UAF press service.

Details

FIFA has responded to a letter from the Ukrainian Football Association sent to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and UEFA Secretary General Theodoros Theodoridis regarding an unacceptable error in the image of the map of Ukraine during the broadcast of the draw for the European qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

"We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 13, 2024 and would like to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We deeply respect the concerns expressed by the Ukrainian Football Association and understand the sensitivity of this issue.

The infographic map in question was developed by a third party, an external service provider. Upon discovering the issue, we immediately took steps to address the situation, including taking steps to remove the image from circulation. In addition, we are conducting an internal review to ensure that such errors do not occur in the future.

We fully recognize the sensitivity of this issue, and while the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any moral harm it may have caused and appreciate your understanding in return as we work diligently to resolve this situation.

Please feel free to contact us if you need further clarification or would like to discuss this issue further," the letter, signed by Elkhan Mammadov, Head of FIFA Member Associations, reads.

Recall 

During the draw for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA zone, FIFA got into another scandal . Demonstrating the countries that cannot meet each other in the qualifiers, FIFA showed the contours of Ukraine without Crimea.