President of Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has made an appeal to Russia and Ukraine to enter into a one month ceasefire during the World Cup in Qatar as it kicks off on Sunday, November 20, 2020.

Infantino while addressing leaders at the G20 summit in Indonesia said the World Cup as a global sporting event presents a “unique opportunity” for peace and unity where over five billion people would watch on television.

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“So, my plea with all of you is to stay on a temporary ceasefire for one month for the duration of the World Cup,” he said at a lunch with G20 leaders on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

As an alternative, he proposed some humanitarian corridors “or anything that could lead to the resumption of dialogue” as the first step to peace.

“You are the world leaders, you have the ability to influence the course of history,” he added.

The World Cup begins in Qatar on Sunday amid widespread criticism of the country’s human rights record, particularly regarding the workers who built the stadiums.

Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, urged governments to send athletes to international events based on their sporting merit, not political affiliations.

“International sports will fall apart if participation is decided on political grounds.

“We need the participation of all athletes who accept rules, especially if their countries are in confrontation,” Bach told the same gathering in Bali.

Various international sports organisations have imposed sanctions on Russia and its athletes following its invasion of Ukraine which started in March this year.

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