FIFA removes segment featuring map of Ukraine without Crimea, no apology given – photo

FIFA has issued a brief and general comment regarding the map displayed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw broadcast. The comment is very short and general and does not contain a hint of apology.

Source: Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda’s holding company

Details: During the international broadcast of the draw, a graphic map of Europe was shown, with commentary stating that "other factors, such as international relations, weather conditions, and travel routes, may influence the formation of groups, regardless of how the draw is conducted".

The phrase "international relations" in the commentary highlighted a territory largely occupied by Ukraine but without Crimea. In response, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned the situation, with spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi demanding a public apology from FIFA. Prior to this, the Ukrainian Football Association had also sent an official letter to the secretaries general of FIFA and UEFA, expressing "deep concern about the unacceptable error".

As usual, FIFA did not respond to the diplomat's inquiry, though it did provide a brief response to the British media – the BBC and The Sun – who asked the international football organisation for comment:

"FIFA is aware of an issue, which affected one of the graphics displayed during the draw and addressed the situation with the Federation. The segment has been removed."

As is often the case with official FIFA statements, the response was general and lacking in specifics. The "Federation" obviously refers to the Ukrainian Football Association, and the segment in question likely relates to the removed schematic representation of Ukraine.

However, there is not a single hint that FIFA acknowledges its mistake or apologises to Ukraine.

Despite the removal of the video, it has, of course, remained in the media, notably featured in an article on The Sun.

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