What Volodymyr Zelensky was planning to say in his message for world peace ahead of World Cup final

A video shared on social media showed what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was going to say in his message calling for world peace before the start of the World Cup final.

CNN had reported that FIFA had refused Zelensky’s request to share his message that he had planned to convey earlier Argentina faced France on Sunday.

In a video that has been published on social networks by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, what Zelensky hoped to say, centered on calling for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine, has been revealed.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to broadcast a video to fans ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final calling for world peace, 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 Cup proved time and time that different countries and nationalities can decide who is the strongest in fair play, but not play with fire on the green playing field and not on the red battlefield.

‘This is the dream of so many people when players compete making everyone enjoy peace. Every father would like to take his son to a soccer game around the world and every mother would like her son to come back from the war.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry shared a video on Twitter revealing Zelensky’s full one minute and 43 second speech, in which he also called for an end to the war in Ukraine.

“Whenever it is, Ukraine fights for peace more than anything else. We formally 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 the nations of the world around the cause of world peace.

‘The stadiums and the stands are empty after the game and after the war the cities remain empty. That is why wars must fail and peace must become the champion as it is now in Qatar. The World Cup but not the world war. It’s possible.

A later CNN report indicated that FIFA rejected the request because it was considered “too political.”

Zelensky then concluded: “Support Ukraine in our efforts to restore peace. Join the formal global peace summit and become a champion of peace. Let’s witness the final together and end the war. Slava Ukraini (glory to Ukraine) and Happy Qatar Day.’

CNN had added in its report on Friday that talks between Zelensky and FIFA were still taking place, meaning they could still agree to exchange a message before Sunday’s game.

However, on Saturday, the Ukrainian presidential office strongly criticized FIFA for its decision not to allow Zelensky’s message to be broadcast and announced how it will distribute the video independently if FIFA does not broadcast it.

In a statement issued to CNNThey said: ‘Qatar supported the president’s initiative, but FIFA blocked the initiative and will not allow the president’s video address to be shown before the final game.

“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, pictured speaking via video link to the European Commission on December 13, appeared at the Group of 20 Nations summit, the Grammys and the Cannes Film Festival.

This is something they also rejected. They said: “There is nothing political in the president’s appeal that gives political color to the sporting event, that is, there are no subjective assessments, political signals and, even more, accusations”, before adding that “there is still time for the FIFA correct your mistake.

“FIFA should not be afraid that words of peace will be heard in the global celebration of football that represents peace.”

The Ukrainian president has spoken at many of the world’s biggest events to garner support for the country’s defense against Russia’s invasion, which began on February 24 this year.

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

She has also appeared alongside various celebrities and journalists, including Sean Penn, David Letterman, and Bear Grylls most recently.