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    Lionel Messi team-mate reveals he still takes medication to deal with World Cup final loss – despite going on to win it

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    ANGEL DI MARIA has revealed that he still takes medication to deal with past disappointments with Argentina.The former Manchester United ace suffered three consecutive final defeats.Angel Di Maria (right) went through three consecutive international final defeatsCredit: GettyDi Maria, 37, went through heartbreaking losses in two Copa America finals and the 2014 Fifa World Cup, where he was an unused sub in the 1-0 final loss to Germany.He has managed to overcome the disappointments with successes in the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2021 and 2024 Copa America finals.However, the three-year period that saw the crushing defeats took its toll on the wide player.Di Maria has revealed that he is still taking medication to deal with the lows.READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSIHe told Infobae: “Because of that I’m still taking the meds.”I was able to reduce it [dosage].”I’m much better, but that’s something a little addictive, too.”These are things that stay with you, that mark you.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDi Maria was the matchwinner in the 2021 Copa America final win over Brazil as he scored the only goal of the game.He was also one of the heroes in the 2022 World Cup final as he netted the first goal in the win over France.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’Di Maria was one of the goalscorers in the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyHe also helped the team retain the Copa America in 2024Credit: ReutersThe Benfica star did admit that he has sympathy for his former international team-mates who did not get the chance to win an honour.He added: “Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?””Very few, it seems unfair to me. Who is talking about those kids Nobody.”Very few can tell you how they played.”I said it a lot of times when we became world champions, when we won the Copa America, I always said that those trophies were also [thanks] to the previous generation.”Di Maria called time on his Argentina career last year but is still producing the goods for Benfica.He has impressed this season in Portugal with 14 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.Despite his impressive form, he has insisted that leaving international football behind was for the best.He said: “I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club.”It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision. It’s obvious that it tempts me because it’s the national team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave.”I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.” More

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      England fan fury as alcohol will be BANNED at 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia for first time ever

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      BOOZE will be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, its ambassador to the UK announced yesterday.The showpiece event will be the first Fifa tournament to be dry — with no exemption for hotels and fan zones.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has confirmed Saudi Arabia will not be relaxing its strict Islamic lawsOnly soft drinks will be served in stadiums and anyone caught smuggling in booze risks a public flogging.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed the nation would not be relaxing its strict Islamic laws.He said: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.“It’s not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Muslim nation Qatar, fans could drink alcohol at hotels which had applied for liquor licences.But Prince Khalid told LBC radio: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”Most read in FootballFan Tim Bailey hit out on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”Another supporter said: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing to cover up its appalling human rights record.In 2023 when the desert nation launched its 2034 campaign, a Saudi diplomatic source told The Sun: “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia wins the vote.”It has not been publicly discussed but is an accepted fact.“Alcohol is subject to a total ban now but will be sold in restricted areas — as is the case in other Muslim nations”We acknowledge that serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the rest of the world to understand we are changing.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Brit FIFA official arrested for ‘arranging to meet boy, 14, for sex while on work trip’ in US

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      A BRITISH FIFA official has been arrested in America after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex while on a work trip.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was detained by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables, Miami.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sexCredit: InstagramColes is now facing federal charges of enticement of a minor and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minorCredit: BSOColes, a project leader with FIFA Sound — the organization’s music division — allegedly met the boy on the dating app Grindr last October and engaged in sexual activity with him at a hotel, reports the Miami Herald.He reportedly returned to Miami last week and attempted to meet the teen again, unaware that he was under federal investigation.FIFA confirmed it was aware of the case but stressed that the allegations were a “personal matter” unrelated to Coles’ work with the organisation.“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world soccer body said in a statement Wednesday.Read more on football“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it said.The Miami Herald reports that Coles first contacted the teen via Instagram on October 10, asking him to visit him at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. The boy told Coles he was 16, according to the complaint.The Brit initially responded that they would not have sex because of his age, writing: “I don’t want to break any laws.”Most read in FootballHowever, according to the arrest complaint, Coles allegedly later ordered an Uber to bring the boy to his hotel, bought him a White Claw alcoholic beverage, and engaged in sexual activity with him. Honduras slapped with final punishment decision after Mexico coach hit by beer can and left with blood pouring down face Afterwards, he allegedly messaged the teen, saying: “Can’t wait to see you again” and “You’re gonna be my Miami boyfriend by the way.”Coles returned to Zurich on October 21 but resumed contact with the boy in February, arranging to meet him again, reports the Miami Herald.What the Brit didn’t know was that the teenager had been in contact with federal investigators after their first encounter. On February 2, Coles messaged the boy again, saying: “I’m back Wednesday to Saturday So I see u.” This time, a Homeland Security agent took control of the boy’s Instagram account.The agent continued messaging Coles, who allegedly asked if he could record their next encounter and inquired about the boy’s grooming habits.On Friday, Coles arranged for an Uber to pick up what he believed was the boy at Dolphin Mall. Instead, a federal agent got into the car, which drove to Coles’ hotel, the Courtyard Miami Coral Gables.When Coles opened the door expecting the teenager, agents and police officers arrested him on Friday.According to the complaint, he was “naked, except for a shirt” at thetime.Coles was charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities and travelling to the US with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was initially booked into the Broward Sheriff’s Office jail but has since been released. It was not immediately clear whether he has legal representation. More

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      ‘Goalkeepers should be complaining’ – Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

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      PIERLUIGI COLLINA, arguably the world’s greatest ever referee, has proposed a a major rule change to penalty kicks.The Italian is currently the chairman of the Fifa Referees Committee.Pierluigi Collina has proposed a change to the penalty kick rulesCredit: GettyHe has suggested the ball should be dead if saved by the goalkeeperCredit: ReutersThe legendary ref hung up his whistle back in 2005 but remains well respected in football.He believes that goalkeepers should be complaining about the current penalty rules.Collina has insisted the attackers should not be allowed to take advantage of a rebound if the initial shot is saved.His plan would mean that if the penalty is saved, the ball is then dead and then leads to a goal kick.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCollina, 64, told Repubblica: “I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper.”On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul.”On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.”I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”One solution is the ‘one shot’ rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra time.”No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool”This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area.”It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena (a traditional Italian horse race with jockeys riding bareback).”He has also suggested that the introduction of offside technology is a benefit to the game.He added: “At 40 metres from the goal, perhaps two centimetres are not decisive, but in the penalty area they become so.” More

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      70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ set to have World Cup hosting rights RESTORED as work restarts after 16 years

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      VALENCIA’S Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium has seen its World Cup hosting rights restoredCredit: GettyThe skeleton of the 70,000 seater ground has been dormant for 16 yearsCredit: GettyBut Rafael Louzan, President of RFEF, has now said it will be in Spain’s World Cup rosterCredit: GettyHowever, after the best part of two decades, work has finally restarted on the stunning project.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.And the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has now suggested the ground will be one of those to play host to World Cup football in 2030.During a trip to the stadium with FFCV and LaLiga, he said: “I said it this morning, I am just another Valencianista, Valencia is not going to miss out on hosting the World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I can assure you of that. We have already been working on this and I know that in the end that would be something tremendously unfair and that it is not going to happen. “I want to reassure the Valencianistas so that they know that our work is oriented in that direction so that a stadium like this can host the World Cup and host important matches. “We must remember that the Nou Mestalla is going to be the most modern stadium in Spain with a very important capacity. Valencia is going to host the 2030 World Cup.”Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile the final venues for the tournament have not been announced, the so-called “most modern stadium” in the country would be a big miss at such a prestigious tournament.The original plans for the ground when it was announced had seen Valencia plan to move into it in the 2009/10 season.Iconic 60-year-old stadium which has hosted huge WWE pay-per-views unrecognizable after roof collapses in heavy snowfallHowever, crippling financial troubles where it climbed up to £350million in costs saw the project – which also originally had an 80,000 capacity – paused.Last summer Valencia was stripped of its hosting rights by the RFEF as it was no longer considered a viable venue.But now there has been a stunning U-turn that will see it host the World Cup.It comes following a report from Mundo Deportivo that the number of stadiums will be reduced from 20 to between 17 and 19. More

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      Morocco to execute THREE MILLION dogs in ‘brutal street clean up’ ahead of 2030 World Cup to make cities ‘nice for fans’

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      MOROCCO could be set to slaughter three MILLION stray dogs in a brutal clean up bid before hosting the 2030 World Cup.The pooches could be wiped out from the streets to make the country’s cities look nicer to visiting football fans, it’s been claimed.Millions of stray dogs could be killed across Morocco in a brutal bid to ‘clean up the streets’ ahead of the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousAnimal activist organisations claim dogs are poisoned with strychnine, a toxic chemical used as pesticide to kill small animals like birds and rodentsCredit: GettyMorocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking the tournament’s centennial edition. The event will feature matches across all three countries, highlighting Morocco’s first opportunity to co-host a World Cup. The country has already begun preparing its infrastructure, aiming to upgrade stadiums and transportation networks to meet FIFA standards.But it has also reportedly killed thousands of stray dogs, and it’s feared that the numbers could still ramp up as 2030 approaches.Read more on 2030 World CupThe International Animal Coalition is now shining a spotlight on the killings, dubbing it “Morocco’s ugly secret”.According to the coalition, dogs are poisoned with strychnine – a highly toxic, colourless, and bitter chemical used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small animals such as birds and rodents.The pups are also reportedly shot in the streets, the coalition says, or trapped and transported to facilities where they’re brutally slaughtered.Many are also said to die in agony after being wounded by gunmen patrolling around the clock, the Daily Mail reports.Most read in FootballDespite claims from Moroccan authorities that the brutal campaign stopped in August 2024, the coalition says the killings spiked after FIFA announced Morocco as a host nation in 2023.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Sun has contacted FIFA for more information on the allegations.With outrage mounting, activists are demanding immediate action to end the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs.Jane Goodall, a top animal rights advocate, has now written to FIFA, urging immediate action and accusing the organisation of ignoring what she describes as “a horrific act of barbarity”.In her letter to FIFA’s Secretary general Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was appalled at reports of large-scale dog killings by Moroccan authorities, an initiative said to have ended last August.“I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,” she wrote.Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and PortugalCredit: PopulousIt’s been claimed that the North African country wants to make its cities look nicer to visiting football fansCredit: https://www.cruzyortiz.com/Goodall also raised concerns about how global football fans might respond to such cruelty.She wrote: “You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?”The activist went on to warn of the potential damage to FIFA’s reputation, saying:  “Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again.”I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following recent scandals. “If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”Goodall called for decisive measures, urging FIFA to ensure an end to the killings and consider suspending Morocco’s hosting of the tournament if the practice continues.She explained: “There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name.”I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so,” she concluded. Morroco’s World Cup plansby Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News ReporterMOROCCO is gearing up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with ambitious plans to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.At the heart of these efforts is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a proposed 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, inspired by the traditional Maghrebi communal tent, or moussem.Dubbed “a Noah’s Ark for nature and animals,” the stadium aims to rival global landmarks like Beijing’s Bird’s Nest and Qatar’s cutting-edge arenas.The project, part of a $5 billion World Cup investment, includes upgrades to five existing stadiums and a $490 million allocation for the Grand Stade Hassan II. This monumental effort follows Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in 2022, reigniting the kingdom’s dream of football glory. Officials hope the tournament will boost the economy, create jobs, and solidify Morocco’s reputation as a modern and influential leader in the region.But the plans are not without controversy. Critics point to potential concerns about labour conditions for migrant workers and Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, which has sparked tensions with neighboring Algeria, The Guardian reports.Despite these issues, the excitement among Morocco’s football-loving public remains high, with hopes of hosting the World Cup final in their iconic new “ark.” More

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      It may be too late for protesters concerned about World Cup 2034 in Saudi thanks to Fifa ‘emperor’ Gianni Infantino

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      THE magical effect of Gulf State money has transformed the Premier League.It will take a while to discover whether these riches will continue.Gianni Infantino operates like an emperor in footballCredit: EPANeither of the two clubs which have hugely benefited, Manchester City and Newcastle, are blowing our socks off so far this season.Pep Guardiola’s City, it is fair to say, have disappointed their fans so far — but not for long, I am sure.Toon lie close to City in mid-table which must be no more than acceptable to Eddie Howe, his players and the masses on the Tyne.There is further heat for the pair over whether any football club should be financed by a state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Parliamentary Bill is in the pipeline.At a debate I attended at the House of Lords last week, Lord Scriven made his view clear: “There is a specific issue with the Gulf states.“If people are potentially put to death for being gay in a state, would that debar a state entity or an individual in that government from owning an English club? It is a clear question.”One which like so many others, was not answered. Apparently, a letter answering the question will be put in the “library”.Most read in FootballI hope it doesn’t have to wait as long to get his letter as it has taken the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to reply to the Prem clubs she invited in to discuss the Bill.We’ve been waiting five months and counting…Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar funding will be responsible for the 2034 Saudi World Cup, having dodged inspection by the 211 national federations. Or anyone else bar the press and campaigners.Critics point out that hundreds, possibly thousands, of workers died building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup in fellow oil state Qatar.The deaths were barely reported at the time.It may be too late for protestors concerned at this return to a Middle East autocracy because Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the process before they could make a full case.Infantino bizarrely said he felt “gay, African and disabled” before Qatar and also told women to “pick the right battles”, so he was hardly going to think about the treatment of the fairer sex when awarding the World Cup.Amnesty International reports women “continue to face discrimination in law, inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody”.But women have been battling for decades against this sort of nonsense, so we won’t be relying on Infantino to fight any corners for us.I’m sure neither City nor Newcastle regard Fifa’s practices as their affair.The Prem already have strict rules about spending on transfers and soon new directives will cover what can be spent on players’ wages.Ownership is, rightly, open to investment from companies all over the world.Nearly half of top-flight teams are ultimately controlled by American investors, as well as by Chinese, Pakistan, Thai, Greek and even English!All of these owners are multi-millionaires and have boardrooms.The oil states have only Arab royalty.Infantino’s behaviour is open to question.Clearly, he likes to operate as an emperor, altering the fixture list in open warfare with Uefa.His Club World Cup intrudes on the close season and relegates the Champions League to a runner-up in importance.Plus, any possibility of an open competition for the 2034 enlarged World Cup has been shut tight.Infantino, a lawyer by trade, knows just how to get his own way and pay.When he was elected Fifa president unopposed in 2023, his annual salary with bonuses was raised by 33 per cent to more than £5million a year.And, as a Swiss-Italian, he now lives in Florida and pays no taxes there.Although some countries, notably Germany, asked questions, he will remain president until 2027 when he is likely to stand again for a further four years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new Club World Cup will take place in 11 stadiums for a month next summer in the US.Chelsea and City are our entrants on the basis of Champions League success. Good luck to them. And readers for the coming year. More

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      Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

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      NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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      Fuming Ukrainian FA blast Fifa over ‘unacceptable error’ during World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THE Ukrainian FA sent a furious letter to Fifa and Uefa complaining about an “unacceptable error” during the World Cup qualifying draw. Ukraine learnt who they will face to try and book their spot at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ukraine hit out at Fifa and Uefa following an ‘unacceptable error’Credit: ReutersThe World Cup qualifying draw map excluded Crimea from UkraineCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCHowever, the country was left apoplectic following a map graphic depicting countries which could not cross borders to face each other – such as Ukraine and Belarus, Spain and Gibraltar and Kosovo versus either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia.On it, though, the shaded Ukrainian region excluded the territory of Crimea.The peninsula in the Black Sea – officially the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is classed as an administrative division of Ukraine after previously being annexed by Russia in 2014.Russia occupy the territory and have several military air bases stationed there during the war between the two nations, which has now claimed the lives or injured a million people since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion in February 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUkraine, though, continue to view the region as part of their country so they were understandably indignant following Friday’s draw.And the Ukrainian Association of Football wrote to Fifa Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and Uefa Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to express their anger. The raging letter said: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. “The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.Most read in Football”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. “It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion ok his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukranian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time.SunSport has contacted Fifa for comment.  Ukraine were pitted in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and the winners of the two-legged France vs Croatia Nations League quarter-final.Thomas Tuchel’s England, meanwhile, got Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in a five-team Group K. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar More