“Mariupol” is in a very difficult situation. The team from the city, which has become a symbol of resistance against the Russian occupiers, and the team that performs decently in the first league of domestic football, has been left without funding. The head coach of the Azov team, Oleg Krasnopyorov, talked about what is happening with “Mariupol” and the ways out of the crisis.
— We have simply been abandoned. For the match against “Dinas,” the guys found money themselves— from friends, from acquaintances, who financed everything selflessly. Organizing one match in the first league costs 80-100 thousand hryvnias.
Right now, we are looking for finances for the away game with “Metallurg” in Zaporizhzhia, searching with our own efforts. It’s good that we managed to find a location for training— on a good field.
— What is the situation with salaries?
— At the moment, the salary arrears amount to four months. It is encouraging how the team reacts to these difficulties. After we played against “Dinas,” we gathered as a whole team and talked. It is important that there is a true collective in “Mariupol,” a team with strong spirit. But, unfortunately, we have no sponsors. We understand that, in wartime conditions, it’s hard to demand anything, and it’s not easy to do any job, but I believe that “Mariupol” must be saved because it really is a symbol of the resistance of the hero city against the Russian invaders.
Mariupol has always been a football city, and this status must be preserved. We, on our part— coaches and football players— are ready to train and play for free right now.
— How does the PFL leadership respond to all this?
— The PFL president, Oleksandr Kadenko, came to us, spoke with the team and with me, said that they are ready to help, however, it is still unclear how and when this will happen. There is little time left to solve the problem— there are only four days left until the match with the Zaporizhzhia “Metallurg.”
— What else can be done to save “Mariupol”?
— Right now, I literally want to shout “SOS!”. And, importantly, to reach out for help to UPL clubs, whose owners sincerely love football. Their help will not only save “Mariupol,” but it will also become a bright example of our— Ukrainian solidarity and patriotism!
— What do you see as the future for FC “Mariupol” in this difficult situation?
— Before the winter break, we have six matches left to play. We need to find money for their organization so that the sports principle prevails. In the future, we will actively seek ways out of the crisis. So, again, I literally shout: “Save 'Mariupol'!”
Oleg Semenchenko
