Ukrainian Football legend and Ballon d’Or in 2004, Andreï Shevchenko gave an interview to the Italian media, Il Messaggero. He looks back at the consequences of the war between Russia and Ukraine on local football.
It will almost be three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. A dramatic situation which plunged the Ukrainian state into war against a neighboring country. This geopolitical crisis has had numerous consequences on sport, including the almost total isolation of Russia in international competitions. Ukraine, for its part, participated in the last European football championship. The country is trying as best it can to continue its sporting activities, particularly with local championships.
“Football, a symbol of hope and resistance”
Ukrainian football legend Andrei Shevchenko gave an interview to the Italian daily Il Messaggero. Coach of the Bleu et Jaune from 2016 to 2021, the player who played for AC Milan made a poignant observation: “The situation in Ukraine is extremely difficult due to the ongoing war. The matches are taking place according to strict security protocols , often behind closed doors and in areas where the risk is minimal. We have already confirmed that more than 200 members of the football community have lost their lives since the start of this large-scale war. This includes players,. coaches and other sports professionals, and this number continues to grow.”
Andreï Shevchenko, Ballon d’Or 2004, also recalled the importance of football for the Ukrainian people: “Our clubs and national teams participate in national or international tournaments. For us, football is not just a sport: it is a symbol of hope and resistance The Football Federation of Ukraine is doing everything possible to support players, coaches and fans to ensure that football thrives even in these difficult times.”
In European competitions, Shakhtar Donetsk plays in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, during home matches in the Champions League. While Dynamo kyiv plays its home matches, in the Europa League, in Hamburg, still in Germany.
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