FIFA boss Infantino wants ceasefire in Ukraine during the World Cup

Nusa Dua - FIFA President Gianni Infantino (52) has proposed a one-month ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine during theWorld Cup in Qatar.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino (52) wants a ceasefire in Ukraine for the duration of the World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino (52) wants a ceasefire in Ukraine for the duration of the World Cup in Qatar.  © Alan Lee/Photosport/AP/dpa

During an appearance at the G20 summit of the most important industrialized and emerging nations in Bali on Tuesday, Infantino suggested that the guns should fall silent from the start of the World Cup on Sunday until the final on December 18.

"We are not naïve and think that soccer can solve the world's problems," said the head of soccer's world governing body. However, the World Cup could be "an occasion for a positive gesture or a sign".

He appealed to the participants of the summit - alongside numerous heads of state and government such as US President Joe Biden (79) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (64) as well as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (72):

"You are the leaders of the world. You have the opportunity to influence the course of history." Infantino added: "My request to you all is to think about a temporary one-month ceasefire for the duration of the World Cup. Or at least the introduction of humanitarian corridors or anything else that leads to the resumption of dialog."

The "Olympic truce" should be the model for the World Cup ceasefire

Infantino (52) made the proposal during the G20 summit in Bali.
Infantino (52) made the proposal during the G20 summit in Bali.  © Leon Neal/Pool Getty Images/AP/dpa

Infantino attended a lunch of the G20 countries at the invitation of host country Indonesia.

The FIFA boss also recalled that Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup and Ukraine is bidding for the 2030 tournament.

"Football unites the world," he said. The World Cup will be watched by a total of five billion TV viewers.

IOC boss Thomas Bach (68) was also present at the G20 summit on the vacation island of Bali. He also called for the search for ways to achieve peace.

In Olympic history, there is also the tradition of the "Olympic Truce" from the time of ancient Greece. This means that no war should actually be waged during the Olympic Games.

However, the "Olympic Truce" was violated time and again.