The Ukrainian Championship will resume this Tuesday 23 August in an act of defiance as described by the president of the national federation. 23 August is also the country’s National Flag Day, and some Ukrainians insist no other day could be more fitting to kick off the league.
“It is an act of faith that football can be bigger than war. It’s a demonstration of the courage of our people,” the head of the local federation, Andriy Pavelko explained.
Pavelko was one of the forces who advocated for the resumption of the championship in the midst of the war started by Russian forces after their invasion had stopped the league in April earlier this year.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gave the approval for the restart of the league. A move that aims to restore some normalcy despite the ongoing war.“I see it as an opportunity. It’s the chance to be in Europe and defend one of Ukraine’s top teams. We’re in a region that’s not close to where the battles take place. But if there’s a problem, I’m four kilometres away from the border with Slovakia,” Brazilian striker Marlyson, who plays for Vorskla Poltava said.
Pavelko also noted that although the table, match locations, and times have been set, necessary changes could happen at the last minute.
Recall that FIFA had earlier granted a license to foreign athletes to play for other teams or be loaned, a decision that has caused some controversy. Many Ukrainian clubs opposed the decision and even sued the body at the Court of Arbitration for Sport as was the case with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Most of the games will be played in the capital region Kiev, and all teams are expected to move to neighbouring locations. There will be no audience in the stands, and the army will be deployed to ensure security, according to the federation.
Some participating teams in the league before the invasion will however be out. They include Desna Chernihiv and Mariupol. The Russian airforce had bombed the stadium and infrastructure of both teams, rendering them incapable of competing in the league. While some believe the government are taking a huge risk, others have welcomed the new development.
“The important thing is to send a signal to the people that the Ukrainian people are resisting. Football is capable of sending that message,” explained Croatian defender Dragan Lovric
