"Russian propaganda"

Scandal over FIFA! Ukraine demands an apology

The Crimean peninsula was not counted as part of Ukraine on the map shown.(Bild: AFP/APA/Fabrice COFFRINI, X/kos_data)

Ukraine has demanded an apology from soccer's world governing body FIFA over the use of an incorrect map of Europe in the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the explanations before the draw on Friday, a map was shown in a video that did not show the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea as part of Ukraine.

"You not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes and criminal aggression against Ukraine," wrote Heorhij Tychyj, spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, to FIFA via X and demanded a public apology.

Segment removed
Upon request, FIFA stated that a graphic had been affected during the draw and that the segment had since been removed. The situation had been discussed with the Ukrainian association, a spokesperson said.

Russia annexed the Ukrainian Crimea in 2014 in violation of international law and has occupied the peninsula ever since. Russia has been waging a war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine for almost three years. Ukraine has repeatedly announced its intention to liberate Crimea from Russian occupation.