Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has called on Russia and Ukraine to agree to a one-month ceasefire during the World Cup in Qatar.

Infantino told leaders at a G20 summit in Indonesia that the World Cup provided a “unique platform” for peace and unity because it would be watched by five billion people on television.

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

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

“You are world leaders, and you have the power to change the course of history,” he added.

The World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday, despite widespread criticism of the country’s human rights record, particularly with regard to stadium construction workers.

Meanwhile, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, urged governments to send athletes to international events based on their athletic ability rather than their political affiliations.

“If participation is decided on political grounds, international sports will disintegrate.”

“We need all athletes who accept rules to participate, especially if their countries are at odds,” Bach told the same gathering in Bali.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, various international sports organizations imposed sanctions on Russia and its athletes.