FIFA has apologized to the Ukrainian soccer federation for displaying a map during its World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea from the country’s territory.

Fifa is taking "corrective measures" after a map shown during the World Cup qualifying draw appeared to exclude Crimea as part of Ukraine.

Fifa has apologised to the Ukrainian Association of Football for displaying a map of the country during its World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea.

Football's world governing body FIFA says it regrets the fact a map showing Crimea as part of Russia was broadcast during its 2026 World Cup qualifying draw on Friday. Ukraine had reacted furiously, with the Foreign Ministry demanding a public apology.

World football's governing body has removed the image omitting Crimea from Ukrainian territory, which Kyiv called an "unacceptable error". View on euronews