Ukraine calls for FIFA apology over map of Crimea

Ukraine has criticized FIFA for an "unacceptable error" after a map displayed during the 2026 World Cup draw appeared to exclude Crimea from the country's territory.

The map, used to show nations that cannot be drawn to play against each other for geopolitical reasons, highlighted Ukraine but excluded Crimea, which is internationally recognized as part of its territory.

Crimea has been under Russian occupation since 2014, though only a few countries recognize it as Russian territory.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi demanded a public apology from FIFA, calling the oversight a violation of international law. "FIFA has not only acted against international law but has also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine," he wrote on X, adding a corrected version of the map with Crimea included as part of Ukraine.

Are you OK, @FIFAcom?

By redrawing international borders in yesterday’s broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

We fixed the map for you and expect a public apology. pic.twitter.com/UAr7voKqGi

— Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) December 14, 2024

FIFA acknowledged the issue, saying it was "aware of an issue" and had since removed the map. However, the Ukrainian Football Association has taken further action, sending a formal letter to FIFA Secretary-General Mathias Grafström and UEFA Secretary-General Theodore Theodoridis, according to BBC.

In the letter, the association expressed "deep concern" over the incident and referenced decisions made by FIFA and UEFA since 2014, which reaffirm Ukraine's territorial integrity. "The cartographic image of Ukraine displayed on December 13, 2024, is completely unacceptable and looks like an inconsistent position of FIFA and UEFA," the letter read.

The controversy comes as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America and feature an expanded format with 48 teams. The tournament is set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey, spanning a record 39 days.

Ukraine was drawn into Group D, where they will face Iceland, Azerbaijan, and the winner of France's Nations League quarter-final against Croatia.

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The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk