TIME.CO, Jakarta – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during World Cup 2022 Qatar. He hopes all sides will use the tournament which starts on Sunday 20 November 2022 as a positive stimulus to work towards a peace resolution.
This appeal was conveyed by Infantino when he had the opportunity to speak by President Joko Widodo at the luncheon of heads of state and delegates to the G20 Summit at the Bamboo Dome, The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Nusa Dua, Bali on Tuesday 15 November 2022 .
Infantino stressed that FIFA realizes that football is not a solution to all the world’s problems. However, he hopes that the 2022 World Cup, which will be attended by 5 billion people worldwide, can continue the message of world peace.
“My appeal to all of you, to think about a temporary ceasefire for one month during the World Cup, or at least to implement some humanitarian corridors or anything that could lead to the resumption of dialogue as a first step towards peace,” he quoted Infantino. as told by Reuters.
The Swiss citizen of Italian blood added: “You are a world leader, you have the ability to influence the course of history. Football and the World Cup offer you and the world a unique platform for unity and peace throughout the world”.
Infantino recalled that Russia is the host of the 2018 World Cup, while Ukraine is a candidate to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. “Maybe, with the World Cup starting in five days, that can be a positive trigger,” he said.
Infantino added that if a truce cannot be reached, at least an effort is made to guarantee the humanitarian aid corridor or to resume peace dialogue. “You are world leaders who can influence the course of history, football and the World Cup provide you and the world with a unique platform for unity,” he said.
“We take this opportunity to do everything in our power to end all existing grievances,” Infantino added.
Infantino also invited the leaders of the G20 countries and the delegates to the G20 summit to participate directly in Qatar which will kick off the 2022 World Cup in the next five days. Responding to Infantino, President Jokowi recalled that football and sport in in general they are not only activities to maintain health because they can also ignite joy.
“Exercise is very important for our life. Through sport we not only become healthier, but we also become happier,” said Jokowi.
President Jokowi had given the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach the opportunity to speak over breakfast. Bach invoked the important role of sport, especially the Olympics, in bridging peace.
BETWEEN | Reuters
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