Zelensky thanks everyone who shared his appeal blocked by FIFA

The head of state said this in a nightly video address, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, the FIFA World Cup final took place in Qatar - an emotional final. This is the meaning of football: everyone has a chance to win, everyone can show that he is the strongest. But the competition is on the playing field, not on the battlefield. And the worst thing that can happen is a red card, not a red button. When people are united by football, people are united by peace. That is why I have prepared a special address from Ukraine to the whole world for today. To all who value peace and life," he said.

Zelensky noted that although FIFA blocked this address from being shown at the stadium before the final game in Qatar, the world still heard his call.

"Our football players shared the video... Yarmolenko and the entire national team of Ukraine, Shevchenko, Shovkovskyi, Modrić, Srna, Guardiola, Raț and many, many other wonderful players. I thank everyone! Partner states supported it. Thousands of world media spread it," he said.

Zelensky earlier proposed delivering a video address before the World Cup final between Argentina and France, but FIFA blocked the proposal.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine