Ihor Tsyhanyk: "Kolomoisky is the only person who has always been in favour of fair play"

A well-known Ukrainian TV presenter, Ihor Tsyhanyk, made a statement to the court regarding the bail of the unofficial owner of Dnipro-1, the former ultimate beneficial owner of PrivatBank and former owner of Dnipro, Ihor Kolomoisky.

Igor Tsyganik

- I have known Ihor Valeriyovych since March 2004, when the first project to build a large sports arena in independent Ukraine, called Dnipro Arena, was presented in Dnipro. At that time, it was an example of building a social phenomenon such as sport. Because before that, sport was in a very, very poor state.

Why do I want to talk about a social phenomenon? Because Ihor Valeriyovych said that victories on the sports and social fronts allow the country to develop, and they are very important in wartime.

In 2015, Dnipro, whose president was Ihor Kolomoisky, played in the Europa League final. At that time, the whole country forgot about the existence of the war for a while, it (the country) was just cheering. It was a huge lift in spirit.

Speaking of football, I have listened to a lot today. I can say that during that time, and Ihor Valeriyovych has been in football for almost 30 years, he is the only person who has fought against corruption in football. Anyone who knows a little bit about football in Ukraine understands that Ihor Valeriyovych is the only person who has always stood by the idea that everything should be fair play. This means fair play.

I have known Igor Valerievich for a long time, I know his family well, I know his attitude towards his family and friends. That's why it motivated me to come here today and speak at the reading. That is why I am asking the court to give me the opportunity to take Ihor Valeriyovych Kolomoisky on bail. I know all his contacts, I have been to his home, I know where he lives. I am convinced that he will never do anything that would not benefit his family and friends. Therefore, I believe that Igor Valerievich is a responsible person," Football Ukraine quoted Tsyganik as saying.

We would like to add that today the court did not grant the motion to change the measure of restraint to Ihor Kolomoisky.