The UAF noted that they sent a letter to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström and UEFA Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis.
"We are reaching out to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe displayed during the televised draw for the European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. The map highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, marking countries that cannot intersect," the association quoted from the letter.
Ukrainians reminded that since 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea, a series of decisions have been made (specifically by the FIFA Council and UEFA Executive Committee) "regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of Ukrainian football stakeholders from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state," including those related to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
"We emphasize that the current version of the cartographic representation of Ukraine, officially presented by FIFA during a worldwide broadcast to a multi-million audience, is absolutely unacceptable and reflects an inconsistent position by FIFA and UEFA on this important issue, given the ongoing destructive aggressive war waged by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century in the very heart of Europe," the UAF quoted from their letter to FIFA.
On December 14, the situation was commented on by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhii Tykhyi, on social media platform X.
"Are you okay, FIFA? By redrawing international borders during yesterday's broadcast, you not only violated international law but also supported Russian propaganda, military crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine," he wrote.
The Ukrainian diplomat published FIFA's map alongside his own, showing the correct borders.
"We have corrected the map for you and are awaiting a public apology," Tykhyi stated.
Are you OK, @FIFAcom ?
By reproducing international borders in yesterday's broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, military crimes, and aggression against Ukraine.
A corrected map has been provided for you, and we expect a public apology. pic.twitter.com/UAr7voKqGi