KYIV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian soccer federation president, Andriy Shevchenko, expressed disappointment with UEFA following a significant election loss, stating both he and his nation seemed unwelcome in the organization’s leadership.
Shevchenko, renowned for his successful career with AC Milan and Dynamo Kyiv and recipient of the 2004 Ballon d’Or, garnered only 15 out of 55 votes from UEFA member federations in his attempt to secure a place on the European soccer body’s executive committee. He required at least 28 votes to claim one of two available seats, contested by five candidates.
According to Shevchenko, they received unmistakable indications of exclusion due to political factors, impacting both Ukraine and him personally. The former soccer star shared his perspective through a statement released by the Ukrainian soccer federation. However, he did not elaborate on the specific political aspects influencing the election outcome, where candidates from Spain and Israel emerged victorious. One of the filled positions effectively replaced Shevchenko’s predecessor, Andrii Pavelko, within the Ukrainian soccer body.
During UEFA’s 2024 annual meeting, Ukraine was among the minority of member federations that did not back votes allowing the UEFA president, Aleksander ?eferin, to pursue re-election in 2027. This decision enables the Slovenian lawyer to extend his mandate beyond the previously established 12-year limit.
In 2023, UEFA attempted to alleviate the comprehensive ban on Russian national soccer teams participating in international competitions amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The proposal to allow Russian Under-17 teams led to a division within the executive committee and was ultimately abandoned.
On Thursday, ?eferin reaffirmed UEFA’s stance, stating that Russian teams will only be readmitted to international competitions once the conflict has ceased.
Shevchenko remained resolute on Friday, affirming Ukraine’s unwavering stance. “We will not change our position,” he declared. He emphasized their commitment to advancing reforms in Ukrainian football and maintaining robust international relations in the best interest of the nation and the global football community.
UEFA has been approached for their comments on the developments.