UAF President Andriy Shevchenko took part in the work of the authoritative football forum Argentina Olé Summit, which gathered almost five thousand participants, including leading representatives of the global football industry. Among the speakers was Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association.
Andriy ShevchenkoIn his speech, Andriy Shevchenko specifically noted the success of the Ukrainian national team in the tough qualification for the 2026 World Cup:
«The European qualification remains one of the toughest in the world. Despite this, the Ukrainian national team successfully passed the group stage and reached the playoff stage. The team demonstrated stability and a professional approach, even considering complex logistical conditions, long transfers, and limited fan support in the stands. We are proud of what has already been achieved, and we continue to move forward».
Andriy Shevchenko then outlined the key challenges faced by Ukrainian football during the full-scale war: constant air raid alerts, absence of spectators in stadiums, significant destruction of sports infrastructure, complex logistics, and financial difficulties.
«Despite all the challenges, Ukrainian football continues to work and develop. All championships are ongoing. The national cup has been reformed to expand club and regional participation. Mass football is developing: this year more than 10,000 children participated in the „School Ball“ tournament. Football has also become an instrument of physical and psychological rehabilitation, especially for military personnel and civilians who have suffered amputations. This is why we created the „League of the Strong“ and are working on its development,» noted Andriy Shevchenko.
At the end of his speech, Andriy Shevchenko announced that in a conversation with Claudio Tapia, he invited Argentina’s national team to play a friendly match with Ukraine after the war ends. Mr. Tapia, in turn, accepted the invitation and assured that all proceeds from the match would be directed to support Ukraine.
