July 12 – Notwithstanding the ongoing war, Ukraine will launch their new domestic football season on August 23, the country’s sports minister Vadym Gutsait said.
He wrote on Facebook that “The Ukrainian football championship will start on August 23. We agreed to work out the procedure for organising and holding competitions under martial law.” August 23 marks Ukraine’s national flag day and precedes independence day on August 24.
Football in Ukraine was forced to a standstill following Russia’s invasion, with clubs deciding in April to end the season. No title was awarded.
“During air raids, matches will be stopped and football players, coaches and the staff must quickly go to a shelter,” said Gutsait. Matches will be staged without spectators and subject to all mandatory safety rules.
The plans come with no guarantees as the war by Russia wages on. Lots of foreign players have left Ukraine. “We continue to fight and cheer. We are constantly proving that Ukraine is a nation of winners,” said Gutsait.
On Monday, Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi parted ways. Dynamo Kyiv has been playing friendlies for charity and peace across Europe with fixtures against Olympique Lyon and Antwerp this week.
Ukraine’s clubs will participate in this season’s European competitions. Next week, Kyiv will face Fenerbahçe from Turkey in a Champions League qualifier.
The national team came within an inch of qualifying for the World Cup after eliminating Scotland from the playoffs, but Wales proved one hurdle too far as Gareth Bale’s goal was the difference between the two teams.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1736514651labto1736514651ofdlr1736514651owedi1736514651sni@i1736514651tnuk.1736514651ardni1736514651mas1736514651