Brazillian football legend Pele has sent a special appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin - urging him to withdraw his troops from Ukraine.
In a public letter written on Wednesday, June 1, Pele stated that there was no justification for Putin to invade Ukraine.
The letter was published before the Ukrainian men's football team faced Scotland in a World Cup playoff semi-final at Hampden Park.
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"Today Ukraine tries to forget, at least for 90 minutes, the tragedy that still engulfs their country.
"I want to use today's match as an opportunity to make a request: stop the invasion. There is absolutely no justification for this continued violence," the missive read in part.
The 81-year-old recalled his meeting with the Russian President in 2017 telling him he had the prerogative to call off the conflict with Ukraine.
"The power to stop this conflict is in your hands. The same ones I shook in Moscow, at our last meeting in 2017."
The determined Ukrainian team beat Scottland men's team 3-1 in a bid to participate in the 2022 World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ukrainian and Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko noted that they needed to make their war-torn country proud following the devastation caused by the conflict.
"We have a dream as a team to be at the World Cup." stated the 25-year-old who had gone on an emotional outburst before the game.
Pele's letter came as the Russia-Ukraine war nears the 100th day with the former Brazilian sports minister penning the emotional letter hoping that Putin calls off the war.
The football legend had an illustrious career and became the youngest footballer to score in the World Cup. He is currently battling colon cancer .and has undergone surgery and chemotherapy sessions.