Football returns to war-torn Ukraine
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Loading... - Naunet Abdo
- 05 Oct 2022
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The Ukrainian football league kicks off on Tuesday on the eve of six months of fighting between Ukrainians and Russians.
"This is a unique initiative in history," said Andriy Pavelko, President of the Ukrainian Football Association (AUF). "Football against war in war conditions. Football for peace."
The last Ukrainian championship also started in the summer, but it never resumed after a three-month winter break due to the start of the Russian military campaign on February 24.
"Thank God and the Ukrainian army that football is resuming in Ukraine," said Roman Grigorchuk, coach of Chernomorets. "Thanks to sport, we will be able to show the strength of our nation."
Two teams will not be competing in the league for obvious reasons. Mariupol will not feature after the port city was taken over by Russian troops, and neither will Chernobyl, one of the hardest-hit cities during the war.
No fans and air raid shelters
"The main problem for the league is the safety of its participants," admitted Pavelko.
He explained that the federation received security protocols that were agreed on by the army, security forces and local authorities.
Just like for all Ukrainian civilians, the key for footballers is security. The fact the times or what stadiums will be used for the second matchday aren't known is to ensure they are as safe as possible.
What is known is that no fans will be in attendance, though a large military contingent will be. In the event of an air raid siren, participants will head to shelters that have been built no further than 500 meters away from each stadium."Holding football matches during the war isn't just about sport. It demonstrates the courage of our people, their spirit and desire for victory," said Pavelko.
The 2021/22 league was officially suspended in April after martial law was declared. Shakhtar Donetsk were the leaders at the time and declared winners, though no cup was awarded. Read More…
