Citing a source it did not name, the US broadcaster reported on Friday that Zelensky’s office had offered to appear in a video link to fans in the stadium in Qatar, ahead of the Argentina vs. France game, and was surprised by the negative response.
However, talks between Ukraine and FIFA were still under way, the source said, according to CNN.
The broadcaster said Zelensky’s request was not unsurprising because he has repeatedly used major international events to keep the global spotlight on the war in Ukraine.
CNN said it had asked FIFA for comment, but the global governing body did not immediately respond.
Meanwhile, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said at a news conference on Friday that his organization had stopped some “political statements” in Qatar because it has to “take care of everyone,” CNN reported.
“We are a global organization and we don’t discriminate against anyone,” Infantino told reporters, as quoted by CNN.
He added: “We are defending values, we are defending human rights and rights of everyone at the World Cup. Those fans and the billions watching on TV, they have their own problems. They just want to watch 90 or 120 minutes without having to think about anything, but just enjoying a little moment of pleasure and joy. We have to give them a moment when they can forget about their problems and enjoy football.”
Gianni Infantino. Photo: PAP/CHRISTIAN BRUNA
Poland’s Szymon Marciniak has been selected to referee Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium near Doha in Qatar.
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Source: CNN, kyivpost.com