March 4 – The international friendly between Ukraine and the US looked like it had become a victim of the crisis in the country when Anatoliy Konkov, president of the Ukrainian Football Federation, said that the team would not be travelling to Cyprus for the rescheduled fixture.
Konkov said on Ukranian television: “We cannot hold the national championship so what kind of football can we talk of at all? If we do not have an opportunity to play on home soil, why shall we go to Cyprus in those troubled times for your country? We play for our people and country. Our team do not fly to Cyprus and stay at home.”
However, less that 24 hours later the United States Soccer Federation tweeted that it had been told by Ukrainian officials that their national team would make the trip to Cyprus, and the friendly will go on as scheduled. The game was initially to be played in Kharkiv, Ukraine, but was relocated to Cyprus
In separate news, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has re-elected Sunil Gulati as its president. Gulati stood unopposed for the position he has held since 2006. This will be his third term.
“I’m honored to be granted the opportunity to serve our membership as President of the U.S. Soccer Federation,” said Gulati. “Over the years, soccer has made numerous strides in the U.S. and we are excited by the sport’s boundless potential for growth in the future. I’m looking forward to being part of soccer’s bright future on all levels throughout the country.”
Gulati is also a member of FIFA’s Executive Committee.
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