Legendary forward and UAF President Andriy Shevchenko told NV in an interview why sports stars rarely visit Ukraine during the war.
Andriy Shevchenko (photo: nv.ua)- We have organised a charity match in London, held a number of activities in Italy and are interested in sharing this successful experience. Unfortunately, it is not possible to organise such matches with full stands of fans in Ukraine at the moment for security reasons. Therefore, we are not even considering this option.
- But at least a masterclass for children from football stars, such as Paolo Maldini.
- It is their choice whether to go to Ukraine or not during the war. As for Maldini, whom you mentioned, he has already done a lot for Ukraine. He also received serious support from AC Milan. But we cannot insist or put pressure on them. They have their own life.
- You also invited the UEFA president to Ukraine. Mr Cheferin sometimes makes strange statements, sometimes he wants to return the Russians to international competitions, sometimes he wants to see Italy at Euro 2024 before the decisive match with Ukraine...
- UEFA is not currently considering the return of the Russians to competitions held under the auspices of the organisation, and we are constantly monitoring this issue. In general, I myself would like the UEFA president's position to be clearer on the war in Ukraine. I would also like to understand how UEFA will support Ukraine until the war is over. I have publicly invited Mr Cheferin to Ukraine, where I am ready to personally show him the stadiums damaged by Russian missiles, which are about 350. Let's talk about the more than 19,000 children who have been deported from Ukraine to Russia.
By the way, we have recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Italian Football Association, and this document provides for the placement of Ukrainian children in summer camps in Italy. At the same time, we are discussing a similar format of cooperation with German, French and Croatian partners so that children from Ukraine can go on holiday in the summer.
Liubomyr Lukanyuk
