Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the football governing body (FIFA) for its refusal to share a message through a video broadcast of world peace prior to kick off at the just concluded World Cup in Qatar.

However FIFA rebuffed the as the body had gone to extreme length to keep political messaging out of its showcase tournament in Qatar, the first Middle Eastern nation ever to stage the event.

However, according to a report on Cable News Network (CNN), the president’s office said that “There is nothing political in the president’s appeal that gives political color to the sporting event, namely, there is no subjective evaluations, political signals, and even more so no accusations, “the office said. “FIFA should not be afraid that words of peace will be heard at the global soccer celebration that represents peace”

The source said Zelensky’s office is offering to appear in a video link to fans in the stadium in Qatar, ahead of the game and was surprised by the negative response. It’s unclear if Zelensky’s message would be live, or taped.

“We thought FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good,” the source said.