Recently, Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi said in an interview that Ukraine is discussing with Poland the joint bid for the World Cup. Poland immediately denied this claim, and the Ukrainian Youth and Sports Ministry also clarified that it is merely a long-term vision.
According to the European edition of the American ‘Politico News Network’ and TVP World, a Polish television station, Bidne said on September 4 that Ukraine is willing to jointly bid for the next World Cup with Poland. An official who was briefed by the Polish government said that Poland is discussing this possibility.
Biden said that Kiev hopes to replicate the success of the 2012 European Championship co-hosted with Poland.
At the same time, he believes that hosting the World Cup is also expected to ‘attract investors’ attention.
On that day, the Polish Ministry of Sports and Tourism denied this claim, stating that their ministry “has not engaged in negotiations with the Ukrainian side regarding a joint bid for the World Cup.”
The Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a statement to TVP World, stating that 'Ukraine has not conducted any formal negotiations or consultations with Poland regarding a joint bid for the World Cup.'
The statement indicates that during his interview with “politicians,” Bidén was only asked about the vision for hosting major events in Ukraine after the war. At that time, he emphasized that the country’s priorities are “the victory of the war and the safety of its citizens.”
The statement also adds that Ukraine successfully co-hosted the 2012 European Cup with Poland. “Once justice, peace, and security are restored,” Ukraine can once again host major sports events. However, discussions regarding the World Cup remain a “long-term vision, not an operational plan.” The current focus is on supporting athletes, veterans, and helping Ukrainian people recover physically and mentally during wartime.
