December 20 – In a joint letter to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), FIFA and UEFA have warned that they could face an international suspension if they do not follow the statutes of the two governing bodies.
The letter to UAF vice presidents from FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura and UEFA general secretary Theo Theodoridis notes “with grave concern that UAF Executive Committee members ae allegedly being pressured into signing requests to hold an extraordinary meeting of the UAF.”
UAF President Andriy Pavelko was arrested last month for allegedly misusing international aid funds. The UAF wants to hold a virtual meeting with the intention of replacing him with former Ukrainian playing legend Andriy Shevchenko (pictured).
FIFA and UEFA are concerned about any pressure exerted on members of the UAF before the meeting and in their letter point to their articles of association regarding the federation’s obligation “to manage its affairs independently and with no undue influence from third parties. Any violation of this obligation may lead to a suspension of UAF’s membership with FIFA and UEFA in line with art. 16 of the FIFA Statutes and art. 9 of the UEFA statutes.”
UAF vice president Oleg Protasov wrote on his Facebook page: “I would like to remind you that previously all the members of the [UFA] Executive Committee were sent an action plan regarding the convening and holding of a virtual Executive Committee of the UAF regarding distrust and removal of the leadership of the Ukrainian Association.
“And before that, six heads of regional football associations wrote protocols on convening the UAF Congress in the offices of heads of regional military administrations and under the watchful eye of the SBU.
“Today I received new information, it turns out that the Ministry of Justice will be involved before the authorities fully intervene in football affairs.”
For the UAF to convene an extraordinary committee meeting, two-thirds of its members have to agree. However, the UAF executive committee does not have the power to change the president. That could only be done at an extraordinary congress that requires the support of 75% of voting members before it can be called.
Protasov, who played his international football for the Soviet Union, like Shevchenko, is also widely regarded as one Ukraine’s greatest players. Protasov blamed a “subversive group” on being behind the plot to elect Shevchenko.
In their joint letter, FIFA and UEFA say: “Going forward, we sincerely hope the situation can be resolved amicably, and kindly ask you to keep us informed of any development in this matter so that we can evaluate the necessity of any potential further steps.”
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