What Volodymyr Zelenskyy wanted to say in his message for world peace before the World Cup final

A video shared on social media has shown what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intended to say in his message on world peace before the start of the World Cup final.

CNN had reported that FIFA had turned down Zelensky’s request to share his message, which he previously wanted to broadcast Argentina met France on Sunday.

A video released by Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on social media revealed what Zelenskyy hoped to say, calling for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to send fans a video calling for world peace ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, but CNN reported that FIFA rejected his request

The President said: “Warm greetings from Ukraine to all fans of football, life and peace. I congratulate the whole planet on the World Cup final.

“Today we will witness a common victory. The celebration of the human spirit. This world championship has proven itself again and again. Different countries and nationalities can decide who is the strongest in fair play, but don’t play with fire on the green field and don’t play on the red battlefield.

“It’s the dream of so many people, when players compete against each other and everyone enjoys the peace. Every father wants to take his son to a soccer game around the world and every mother wants her son to come back from war.

A video shared by Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on Twitter reveals Zelenskyy’s full one-minute, 43-second speech, in which he also called for an end to the war in Ukraine

“Anytime, Ukraine strives for peace more than anything. We officially offered peace to the world, we offered it because in war there are no champions, there can be no draw.

“I announce the initiative to hold a formal World Peace Summit this winter. The summit to unite all nations of the world around the cause of global peace.

“Stadiums and stands become empty after the game and cities remain empty after the war. That is why wars must fail and peace must prevail, as is now the case in Qatar. The World Cup, but not the World War. It is possible.

A later report by CNN said FIFA rejected the application because it was considered “too political”.

Ukraine’s Presidential Office said in a statement there was “still time for FIFA to rectify its mistake” before Argentina and France kick off the World Cup final at 15:00 GMT.

Zelenskyy concluded: “Please support Ukraine in our efforts to restore peace. Attend the formal World Peace Summit and become a champion of peace. Let’s experience the finale together and end the war. Slava Ukraini (Honour of Ukraine) and Happy Qatar Day.”

CNN added in its report on Friday that talks between Zelensky and FIFA were still ongoing, meaning an exchange of a message ahead of Sunday’s game could still be agreed.

However, on Saturday Ukraine’s Presidential Office criticized FIFA for its decision not to allow Zelensky’s message to be broadcast and announced how it will independently disseminate the video if FIFA does not broadcast it.

In a statement issued to CNN, they said: “Qatar supported the President’s initiative, but FIFA has blocked the initiative and will not allow the President’s video address to be shown before the final.

“FIFA has lost its valuable understanding of football – as a game that unites peoples instead of supporting existing divisions.”

CNN also reported that Ukraine’s presidential office had been told that FIFA considered the message too political.

Zelensky, who addresses the European Commission via video link on December 13, has performed at the Group of 20 Summit, the Grammys and the Cannes Film Festival

They also rejected that. They said: “There is nothing political in the President’s appeal that gives political color to the sporting event, namely no subjective evaluations, political signals and certainly no allegations,” before adding “that FIFA still has time to correct this.” their error.’

“FIFA should not be afraid that words of peace will be heard at the global celebration of football that stands for peace.”

Ukraine’s President has spoken at many of the world’s biggest events to rally support for defending the country against the Russian invasion that began on February 24 this year.

Zelensky’s appearances include the Group of 20 Summit Summit at the Grammys and Cannes Film Festival.

He has also appeared alongside several celebrities and journalists, most recently Sean Penn, David Letterman and Bear Grylls.