Brazilian soccer legend Pele made a public plea on Wednesday to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his "wicked" and "unjustifiable" invasion of Ukraine, minutes before Ukraine's national team played in a World Cup qualifying game.
"I want to use today's game as an opportunity to make a request: Stop this invasion. No argument exists that can justify violence," Pele said in a statement published on Instagram.
"This conflict is wicked, unjustifiable and brings nothing but pain, fear, terror and anguish."
Pele and Putin last met in Moscow in 2017 during the Confederations Cup, a championship held before the World Cup. The Russian leader has named Pele as one of his favorite players.
"When we met in the past and exchanged smiles accompanied by a long handshake, I never thought one day we would be as divided as we are today," wrote Pele, who served as Brazil's first minister of sports in the 1990s.
Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1 on Wednesday to move one game away from qualifying for the World Cup.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked the team for "two hours of happiness, something we have become unaccustomed to."
Reuters
Thu Jun 02 2022
Pele and Putin last met in Moscow in 2017 during the Confederations Cup, a championship held before the World Cup. - AP
Astro Audio apologises for controversial video, suspends announcers
Astro Audio is working closely with authorities and regulators to ensure full compliance with all guidelines and requirements.
MCMC to summon Astro over its Radio DJ mocking a religious ceremony - Fahmi
Fahmi Fadzil says this is to ensure that action can be taken based on existing regulations and laws.
Government gets to stay order for RM1.7 billion in pension payment
The High Court allows the government's application to stay payments of pension arrears to 531,976 pensioners.
66,000 e-commerce businesses lack tax payment compliance, reporting records - IRB
The IRB says it detected this through e-invoices, which include details of individuals and companies operating on e-commerce platforms.
Pope Francis had two respiratory 'insufficiencies', back on ventilation, Vatican says
Pope Francis is again receiving "non-invasive, mechanical ventilation" to help with his breathing, according to the Vatican.
JD Vance says giving US economic interest in Ukraine is a security guarantee
The very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine, says JD Vance.
Messi named in provisional Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers
Lionel Messi is among 33 players included in a provisional Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers.
Trump says Zelenskiy made 'worst statement' about Ukraine war
Donald Trump criticises Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy over comments he made that a deal to end the war with Russia was not near.
IMF sees Malaysia growing 4.7 pct in 2025, urges sustained fiscal consolidation
The IMF said favorable economic conditions offer an opportunity to strengthen macroeconomic buffers and accelerate structural reforms.
Only qualified medical practitioners can diagnose mental health disorders - Lukanisman
Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni says these practitioners included psychiatrists specialising in mental health.
Russia gambles to keep military bases in post-Assad Syria
The future of the bases are integral to Russia's military reach in the Middle East and Africa.
China's trade dominance in South America tempers Trump's influence
Across South America, China's trade lead has widened, driven by grains and key electrification metals copper and lithium.
Thailand mulls wall at Cambodia border as scam centre crackdown widens
The crackdown is widening against scam centres responsible for carrying out massive financial fraud out of Southeast Asia.
Social media users to get platform to challenge content removal - Teo
The platform would enable social media users to provide reasonable justifications to defend their content from being taken down.
UK, European leaders join forces to draft Ukraine peace plan to take to US
European troops would be deployed if a more substantial peace agreement was reached, British PM Keir Starmer says.
Conan and Bond: Top takeaways from the Academy Awards ceremony
The nations of Latvia and Brazil each picked up their first ever Oscars.
Improved entry permit process for Malaysian spouses from Sept 1
Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says the implementation of the improved process would involve applications received from 2024 onward.
MACC to question Ismail Sabri again in corruption probe - Azam Baki
Tan Sri Azam Baki confirms that Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is a suspect in this case.
Evidence of Child Witness (Amendment) comes into force today
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said says, the Act is intended to enhance the protection and rights of child witnesses within the legal system.
DAP election: 70 candidates to contest 30 CEC seats
The results on March 16 will shape DAPs leadership ahead of the next general election.