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Ukraine Criticizes FIFA for Omitting Crimea in World Cup Draw Map

  • 16 Dec 2024 06:31 AM
  • Ukraine FIFA, FIFA World Cup 2026, Crimea map controversy

Ukraine has condemned FIFA after a map displayed during the European World Cup qualifiers for 2026 appeared to omit Crimea from Ukraine. The map, shown during the December 2024 draw for the joint-hosted tournament by the US, Mexico, and Canada, sparked backlash when it excluded Crimea, which has been under Russian occupation since 2014. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy accused FIFA of supporting Russian propaganda and violating international law by "redrawing borders."

The Ukrainian Football Association also sent a letter to FIFA expressing concerns over the map's inaccuracies and urged FIFA and UEFA to clarify their positions on the Crimea dispute. In response, FIFA acknowledged the error and removed the graphic, but the controversy has fueled tensions between Ukraine and the football governing body.

Ukraine will be competing in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan, and the winner of the France-Croatia Nations League quarter-final.

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