Young Footballers Appeal to FIFA: Bar Russia from International Tournaments

A Ball Delivered to the FIFA President

According to МЗС: Young players from the destroyed 'Lokomotiv' football academy in Kyiv have sent a football to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, delivered via European Commissioner Glen Micallef. The children expressed their distress over the destruction of their sports complex, which was hit and ruined by a missile on January 23rd, leaving them unable to train on their home pitch. This act highlights the direct impact of the ongoing war on youth and sports in Ukraine.

An Appeal for Fair Play

In their message to FIFA, the academy's pupils called for Russia to be barred from international competitions. They stressed the core principle of fair play, which demands respect for opponents and the rules of the game. The children appealed to Mr. Infantino for his support, as:

“These children want to play, to live, to dream without fear” – Glen Micallef

The appeal from the young footballers has been endorsed by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, who also emphasized the critical importance of upholding fair play principles on the global stage.

This incident underscores not only the vital role of sport for youth development but also the profound social and political consequences of the conflict in Ukraine. The academy's students, who have suffered loss due to the war, seek to reclaim their right to train and compete-a potential symbol of hope for other children across the nation. Their call for FIFA to exclude Russia from international tournaments further reflects Ukraine's pursuit of justice and its desire for support from the global community in the struggle for peace and security.