FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday in Nusa Dua issued a plea for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine for the duration of this year’s World Cup in Qatar, Njenje Media News reports.
Infantino made the plea while speaking during a lunch with leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies on the Indonesian island of Bali.
According to him, all sides should use the 2022 World Cup as a “positive trigger” to ceasefire, adding that the tournament would be a good tool to work towards a resolution.
He said the 2022 World Cup, which will commence in Qatar on Sunday, provides a unique platform for peace.
Infantino said: “My plea to all of you, to think of a temporary ceasefire for one month for the duration of the World Cup, or at least the implementation of some humanitarian corridors or anything that can lead to the resumption of dialogue as a first step to peace.
“You are the world leaders, you have the ability to influence the course of history. Football and the World Cup are offering you and the world a unique platform of unity and peace all over the world.”
Recall that Russia reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 last World Cup but has been barred from the tournament this year over its invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine, meanwhile, came close to qualifying for Qatar 2022 but lost out to Wales in a deciding playoff back in June.
“Maybe the current World Cup, starting in five days, can be that positive trigger.” Infantino added.
