Statement

by the Delegation of Ukraine

at the Commemoration of World Football Day

(UNGA Hall, 19 May 2026)

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

First of all, I would like to thank the Permanent Missions of Bahrain, Libya and Tajikistan and all the co-sponsors for organizing this important event.

Football unites people across borders, languages and cultures. It creates a sense of community, identity and shared emotion for millions around the world.

But football cannot develop in a fully-fledged manner when your country is under attack.

Ukraine has lived through the reality when a significant number of football facilities have been damaged. Ukrainian athletes and coaches have lost their lives because of Russia’s war of aggression. Ukrainian football clubs as well as Ukrainian national team have already spent five consecutive seasons unable to play international matches at their home stadiums.

And yet, despite the war, football in Ukraine continues to play an important role in maintaining our spirit.

Boys and girls across Ukraine, despite all, go to training sessions, still gather on football pitches and still dream about the future. For many children, football provides at least a small sense of normal childhood in a reality shaped by air raid sirens, displacement and uncertainty.

Football teaches values that matter far beyond the stadium: respect, teamwork, fair play and solidarity. These principles should guide not only sport but also international relations. Those who violate these principles through acts of aggression should be shown a straight red card and suspended from international competitions until the aggression ceases and international law is fully restored.

As we celebrate World Football Day, we should remember that peace means people being able to play safely, means stadiums full of fans instead of destruction. Peace means clubs being able to play at home again.

This is what we should continue to defend together here at the UN and beyond.

Happy Football Day!

Thank you.