Ukrainian Football Faces Existential crisis Amidst War, Allegations of UEFA Bias
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian football is battling for its survival as the ongoing Russian invasion continues to disrupt domestic competition and raise serious questions about the neutrality of European football’s governing body, UEFA. The conflict has not only forced teams to relocate and play in unfamiliar conditions but has also tragically claimed the lives of devoted fans who have taken up arms to defend their country.
the situation is especially acute in regions directly impacted by the fighting. As the article highlights, determining safe zones for matches is proving impossible, with unclear criteria regarding proximity to the front lines. Areas like Mariupol, currently under Russian occupation, and parts of the Zaporizhzhia region are effectively excluded from hosting games. This uncertainty extends to major cities like Odesa and Kharkiv, despite not being under direct occupation, due to ongoing security concerns.
The Human Cost & Disrupted League Play
The war’s impact extends far beyond logistical challenges. The article poignantly notes the devastating loss of Ukrainian football supporters who have joined the armed forces. Many have died defending their homeland, their passion for their clubs remaining with them until the end. This loss underscores the deep connection between football and national identity in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian premier League (UPL) resumed in 2022, but under drastically altered circumstances. Matches are played without spectators, frequently enough in centralized locations far from the home cities of the teams involved. Shakhtar Donetsk,historically one of Ukraine’s most successful clubs,has been forced to play its “home” games in Poland,specifically at the Legia Warsaw stadium. Other clubs, like FC Lviv, have faced similar displacement. The 2022-23 season was ultimately curtailed prematurely due to the ongoing security situation. The current 2023-24 season continues under similar constraints.
Allegations of UEFA Bias & Kremlin Connections
The article raises serious concerns about potential bias within UEFA towards Russia, despite the country’s invasion of Ukraine. While Russian teams and the national team were officially banned from UEFA competitions in Febuary 2022, the Russian Football Federation (RFU) was not suspended from the institution. This decision has been widely criticized by Ukrainian football officials and international observers.
The article points to the presence of Polina Jumaลกeva, daughter of Valentin Jumaลกev – an advisor to Vladimir Putin – and former wife of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, on UEFA’s administrative commission. This connection fuels accusations of undue influence from the Kremlin within European football’s governing body. Deripaska, a close associate of Putin, has been subject to sanctions by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Further incidents cited include:
Oleksandr Petrakov Fine (September 2022): The then-coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, was fined by UEFA for stating his intention to fight against Russia. This sparked outrage in Ukraine, seen as a punishment for expressing patriotic sentiment.
Under-17 Reversal (2023): UEFA initially attempted to allow the Russian under-17 national team to participate in European qualifying tournaments, sparking widespread condemnation from numerous member associations, including England, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Ireland. UEFA ultimately reversed its decision due to this pressure.
Coefficient Points Controversy: The Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) has protested UEFA’s continued awarding of coefficient points to Russian teams, even while suspended. These points contribute to a country’s ranking, which determines the number of teams qualifying for lucrative European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League. Critics argue this undermines the purpose of the suspension.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ukrainian Football
The long-term future of Ukrainian football remains uncertain. The war has caused significant financial strain on clubs, and the loss of players and fans is deeply felt. The UFA, led by President Andriy Pavelko (who is currently facing corruption allegations unrelated to the war), continues to advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia and greater support for Ukrainian football from UEFA and FIFA.The resilience of Ukrainian football, however, is undeniable. Despite the immense challenges, the league continues to operate, providing a symbol of hope and national unity during a time of crisis. The international community’s continued support will be crucial to ensuring the survival and eventual rebuilding of Ukrainian football.
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Original Article: [https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/valka-na-ukrajine-serazeni-podle-barvy-vlasu-a-oci-rusko-vytvorilo-online-katalog-ukrajinskych-deti-k-adopci-40533412](https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/valka-