The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), which runs the World Cup, has reportedly declined a request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to share a message supporting world peace, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Since the beginning of the war, Zelensky has attempted to use significant events to raise awareness about Russia’s war crimes and successfully made video appearances at the G20 Nations summit and the Grammy awards. 

The World Cup’s final match will occur on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, where billions worldwide are expected to watch the game between Argentina and France. However, this is not the first incident regarding political messaging. Before the tournament began, FIFA leader, Gianni Infantino, angrily denounced criticism of Qatar’s LGBTQ+ and migrant worker policies in which he accused Western countries of hypocrisy. 

Discussions between FIFA and the Ukrainian government continue, but FIFA is not expected to change its answer now.