A well-known Ukrainian journalist, Ihor Tsyhanyk, tried to understand another change of venue for a game involving Shakhtar and sent an appeal to the UAF's CDC regarding the alleged violation of the principles of fair play in the match of the 26th round of the Ukrainian championship between Ingulets and Shakhtar.
"Shakhtar vs Ingulets. Photo by shakhtar.comAs a reminder, this match was moved to Lviv's Arena Lviv, although it was supposed to take place at Ingulets' stadium in Petrovo. At the same time, another contender for the gold medal in the current Ukrainian championship, Dnipro-1, intended to move the game with Ingulets to Uzhhorod, but was refused by the club from Petrovo.
"I would like to ask for your clarification on the situation regarding the match of the 26th round of Ingulets vs Shakhtar, which is scheduled to take place on 13 May 2023. This match was to take place at the Ingulets Stadium in Petrovo, which is certified by the UAF to host Premier League matches in the 2022/23 season. At the same time, I have learned that this meeting is planned to be held in Lviv at the Arena Lviv stadium.
According to my information, the initiator of the transfer of the match to Lviv is FC Shakhtar. The Donetsk club will bear all the costs of moving and staying of FC Ingulets in Lviv. Please clarify whether this situation may be an attempt to manipulate the outcome of the Ingulets vs Shakhtar match, as the Donetsk club will have a certain advantage by playing the match in the city that is the club's base this season and at the stadium that is declared as the home arena of FC Shakhtar in the 2022/23 season.
I would also like to ask you to help us get clarification from UEFA on this situation. I would like to remind you that this season's Ukrainian league is a fierce battle for the championship title. In my opinion, the attempt by FC Shakhtar, which is one of the contenders for first place in the UPL, to gain certain advantages by reducing the number of its own trips across Ukraine does not comply with the principles of fair play," Tsyhanik said in an appeal to the UAF Ethics and Fair Play Committee.
