Ukraine called on the UN to show Russia a red card in sports
During an event marking World Football Day at the UN, Ukraine stated that military aggression is incompatible with international sports. Ukrainian representatives called for the principles of justice and accountability to be applied to states that violate international law, and symbolically “show Russia a red card.”
According to Ukrinform’s correspondent in New York, this was noted during an event at the UN General Assembly marking World Football Day by Khrystyna Gayovyshyn, Ukraine’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN.
The diplomat emphasized that the development of soccer is impossible in wartime and recalled Russia’s destruction of sports infrastructure and the deaths of Ukrainian athletes, as well as the fact that Ukrainian clubs and the national team have been unable to host international matches at home for the fifth consecutive season.
According to Gayovyshyn, the basic principles of soccer—respect, teamwork, fair play, and solidarity—must also be applied in international relations.
“Those who violate these principles through acts of aggression must receive a red card and be suspended from international competitions until the aggression ceases and international law is fully restored,” she said.
Peace means safe play, full stadiums, and the opportunity for teams to play at home, the speaker added.
The Ukrainian delegation’s speech was met with applause.
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