FIFA reacts to the scandal with the map of Ukraine without Crimea during the 2026 World Cup draw
Kyiv • UNN
FIFA has responded to the UAF's letter regarding the display of a map of Ukraine without Crimea at the 2026 World Cup draw. The organization acknowledged the mistake, explained the actions of a third-party contractor, and promised to prevent this from happening in the future.
FIFA has responded to a letter from the Ukrainian Football Association regarding an unacceptable mistake in the depiction of the map of Ukraine without Crimea during the draw for the 2026 World Cup, the UAF reported, UNN writes.
Details
"FIFA has responded to a letter from the Ukrainian Football Association, which was sent to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström and UEFA Secretary General Theodor 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," the UAF said.
"We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 13, 2024 and would like to thank you for drawing our attention to this issue. We have deep respect for the concerns expressed by the Ukrainian Football Association and understand the sensitivity of this issue," the letter, signed by Elkhan Mammadov, Head of FIFA Member Associations, reads.
"The infographic map in question was developed by a third party, an external service provider. Upon discovering the issue, we immediately took steps to resolve 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 recur in the future," the letter reads.
"We are fully aware of the sensitivity of this issue, and although the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any moral harm it may have caused and appreciate your understanding in return as we work responsibly to resolve this situation," the letter reads.
FIFA called for free contact with them "if further clarification is needed" or if there is a need to discuss this issue further.
