FIFA rejected a request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to deliver a message of world peace before the World Cup final between Argentina and France on Sunday, a source told CNN.

The same source pointed out that Zelensky’s office requested that the Ukrainian president appear via video link to the fans in the Qatar stadium before Sunday’s big match, but was surprised to hear FIFA say no. It was not clear whether Zelensky’s message would be live or taped. “We thought FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good”, said the source, who is close to Keiv.

However, talks between Ukraine and football’s organizing authority are still ongoing, the source added.

Zelensky’s request, however, is not surprising. Kiev has repeatedly tried to use major global events, regardless of their theme, to keep the world’s spotlight on the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky has appeared via video at many events, from the G20 Summit to the Grammys and the Cannes Film Festival.

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