July 18 – Ukraine’s FA have sent an official letter to FIFA and UEFA urging them to take action over two Crimean clubs being incorporated into the Russian domestic league.
Rubin Yalta and FC Sevastopol played their first matches in Russia’s fourth tier at the weekend despite rules that prohibit Crimean clubs from competing in competitions organised by the Russian Football Union (RFS).
Crimea has been considered a ‘special zone’ by UEFA since Russia annexed the region in 2014, effectively meaning that their clubs can only play against each other.
But Rubin Yalta and FC Sevastopol played against different teams and the Ukrainian Federation said in a scathing statement: “This is a flagrant violation of international law and serious harm to Ukraine. Russia’s occupation of Crimea is illegal, and all sporting events organised under the aegis of the Russian Football Federation must be stopped.
“The acceptance of Crimean teams in Russian football only legitimises the annexation and appropriation of the territory of another country. International football organizations should stop recognizing these clubs and apply sanctions against Russia for violations of international law for crimes against Ukraine.”
A section of the Ukrainian FA’s letter to FIFA and UEFA presidents Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Ceferin, read: “Despite numerous appeals by UAF to Fifa and Uefa on this matter, FC Sevastopol and FC Rubin Yalta played their first matches in the second Russian division on 16.07.2023.
“We consider such actions to be a gross violation of Fifa and Uefa statutes and Uefa’s decision on the special status of Crimean football.
“We have already appealed to FIFA and UEFA several times regarding the attempts of the Russian football leadership to include Ukrainian clubs to participate in Russian domestic championships
“In light of the above, the UAF once again appeals to Fifa and Uefa to consider the possibility of excluding the RFS from membership in Fifa and Uefa due to proven non-compliance with the requirements of the charters of the governing bodies of the world and Europe and the values of the global football family.”
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