Igor Belanov: "I can't help but react."

Former Dynamo Kyiv forward Igor Belanov commented on the scandal with the "deprivation" of his Golden Ball1986.

"Friends, did not want to touch on this topic. But I can not but react.

I get calls and letters from ordinary guys from the front, who are defending Ukraine from the occupants, and ask a very uncomfortable question: Igor Ivanovich, what was it yesterday at the awarding ceremony of the "Golden Ball"? Why did Gary Lineker, the 1986 Ballon d'Or winner, and not you? Why was Gary Lineker honoured as the 1986 Ballon d'Or winner? What's going on? Are we being forgotten in Europe? Has someone decided to rewrite football history?

Dear editorial staff of France Football, dear Ballon d'Or award organising committee - I have the most excellent relations with you. We did a great interview for your publication in April this year, a great photo shoot at the Zimbru stadium in Chisinau, you congratulated me on my birthday a month ago. But after yesterday's incident, there has been no apology, no news or notification from you for an hour now. You promptly deleted your Twitter post, but you don't want to explain yourself?

I want to remind you that I am Belanov Igor Ivanovich, - the winner of the "Golden Ball" in 1986.

In Ukraine, besides me, there are two more owners of the deserved trophy:

Blokhin Oleg Vladimirovich - the best player of 1975

Andriy Shevchenko - the best player of 2004

Last year you kindly invited Andriy Shevchenko to the awarding ceremony, where he made a peacemaking speech. It would be a logical step to invite Oleh Blokhin this year as a sign of respect for Ukraine and Ukrainian football history.

We can't always keep track of the world football scene. We can't always keep up with all the sporting events. In case you have forgotten, our country Ukraine was treacherously attacked by a sneaky, treacherous and unscrupulous enemy - the Russian Federation. We are forced to concentrate on the defence of our homeland, children, old men and women.

To the entire world community, the editorial board of France Football, the Ballon d'Or Prize organising committee, FIFA and UEFA - we want to remind you of this blatant fact. So that you do not forget. Do not forget about football veterans. Do not forget about Ukrainian athletes. Their families. Their relatives. Their loved ones. After all, Ukraine is Europe. And we Ukrainians are on the side of good and light.

And we should not rewrite history. As it was done yesterday at the award ceremony.

With respect, Igor Belanov", - wrote Igor Ivanovych in Facebook.