FIFA withdraws map of Ukraine without Crimea from circulation and conducts internal review
16 December 2024 09:56
The International Football Federation (FIFA) responded to a letter from the Ukrainian Football Association, which stated that an error in the image of the map of Ukraine, which was demonstrated during the broadcast of the draw for the European qualification for the 2026 World Cup, was unacceptable. This was reported by the Ukrainian Football Association, according to
FIFA said that the infographic map in question was developed by a third party, an external contractor for the provision of relevant services.
“Upon discovering the problem, 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 mistakes do not happen again in the future. We are fully aware of the sensitivity of this issue, and while the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any moral damage it may have caused and appreciate your understanding in return as we work responsibly to resolve this situation,” FIFA’s letter reads.
As reported by
On the same day, the Ukrainian Football Association sent a letter to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström and UEFA Secretary General Theodor Theodoridis expressing deep concern about the infographic map of Europe shown on December 13, 2024, during the television broadcast of the draw for the European qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. On the map, the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea was highlighted with the designation of countries that cannot intersect. The Ukrainian Football Association called this fact unacceptable and demanded that FIFA provide explanations and an appropriate response.
