Today, pupils of the Kyiv football academy “Lokomotyv” presented a football to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who volunteered to pass the ball on, emphasized: “These children want to play, live, and dream without fear.”

For Ukrainian children, football represents hope for a safe childhood and a normal life. The children of Lokomotyv spoke about living under constant shelling. They reminded that on 23 January a missile destroyed their sports complex. Since then, they have not been able to train at their home base.

In their message to Gianni Infantino, the children stated:
“Fair play means respect for opponents, the rules, and all participants in competitions. Russia does not respect these rules. We ask you to support the children of Ukraine who want to play football and live without fear.”

We support this appeal from the children. Russia strikes Ukrainian cities and communities every day. Russia kills children and destroys sports facilities. Russia targets power plants and energy infrastructure.

We also reiterate Ukraine’s position: Russia uses sport to justify its aggression, which is why its return to football is unacceptable.

We share the principle of fair play, which cannot exist without accountability. We call on FIFA to act consistently and with principle - to uphold the suspension of Russia from international competitions, to strengthen the protection of children through football programmes, and to support initiatives that restore children’s opportunity to train and take pride in their achievements.

A football can carry hope. This ball from Kyiv symbolizes a shared responsibility for the future of these children and of Ukrainian sport as a whole.

Andrii Sybiha - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

 Matvii Bidnyi - Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine