MADRID, 15 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has asked world leaders during the 17th G20 summit in Bali (Indonesia) to turn their efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in addition to requesting a “temporary ceasefire” while the World Cup in Qatar takes place.
“Football is a force for good. We are not naive in believing that football can solve the world’s problems. We know that our main focus as a sports organization is and should be sport, but because football unites the world, this World Cup in particular, with five billion people watching it, can trigger a positive gesture, a signal or a message of hope,” he said during his speech at the intergovernmental summit.
The FIFA president recalled that Russia organized the World Cup in 2018 and that Ukraine “is bidding” to celebrate it in 2030, in its joint candidacy with Portugal and Spain. “Perhaps the current World Cup, which starts in five days, can be that positive trigger. My request is to think of a temporary ceasefire, for a month, for the duration of the World Cup, or at least the implementation of humanitarian corridors, or anything that could lead to a resumption of dialogue as a first step towards peace. You are the world leaders; you have the ability to influence the course of history,” he said.
“Football and the World Cup offer you and the world a unique platform for unity and peace around the world. So let’s take this opportunity to do everything we can to start ending all conflicts,” he added.
Infantino’s request comes just one day after launching the ‘Football Unites the World’ campaign, in which a host of international stars joined forces to illustrate football’s ability to bring people together. The World Cup will take place from November 20 to December 20.
“You all know what football means to your people and to your countries; it’s about passion, it’s about inclusion, it’s about tolerance, it’s about non-discrimination and it’s about education. Football is an investment in our children, for our future. Football unites the world, and because football unites the world, the World Cup is an occasion to bring people together in peace and joy, something sorely needed in the turbulent times we live in.” finished.
