Shevchenko: “In Ukraine there is no longer a normal life.
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Andriy Shevchenko returned to Ukraine and, as president of the federation, explains how football helps the population cope with the conflict, while highlighting the financial and human issues.
Why it matters
The return of Andriy Shevchenko to Ukraine as president of the Ukrainian federation highlights the importance of football as a tool for resilience in the face of war. Its commitment to supporting national football is crucial to maintaining a semblance of normality and joy in a context of conflict. By highlighting the role of sport, Shevchenko recalls that football can offer an escape and hope to young Ukrainian generations.
Key points
- Shevchenko: “In Ukraine there is no longer a normal life.
- Andriy Shevchenko returned to Ukraine and, as president of the federation, explains how football helps the population cope with the conflict, while highlighting the financial and human issues.
- Shevchenko: "In Ucraina non esiste più a normal life. Resistiamo, non ci abbattiamo".
Shevchenko describes a profoundly transformed reality: “There is no longer a normal life, the situation has become much worse, especially for the new generations: basements, online schools, attacks which continue. It's not a life, but we move forward, we try to adapt. We resist, we do not give up. » These words sum up the daily tension that many Ukrainians experience, and the former international highlights the role of sport as a relief and a benchmark in this context.
On a financial and organizational level, Shevchenko recalls the enormous constraints facing the federation: “European countries help us a lot, our budget is based largely on the money we collect via UEFA and FIFA, but every match is played away and it is much more expensive to organize anything. » Playing away systematically increases logistical costs and limits the resources available to rebuild and maintain local structures.
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However, despite these obstacles, the former striker does not abandon the idea that football can bring a glimmer of hope: “Football can still give a smile. We do what we can. This is my challenge, the challenge of the federation. » Among the initiatives presented, Shevchenko mentions the “School League”, launched three years ago: “We started with 12,000 children, now we have already reached 50,000.” This development shows the desire to preserve a structuring activity for young people, by offering them an escape and a positive framework despite the permanent emergency situation.
According to him, sport has a protective function for young people: “Football, sport in general, plays an important role because it is the only possibility of entertainment for young people. It helps you find your rhythms, to avoid entering into a crisis in a permanent state of emergency. »
This return and these words underline Shevchenko's dual mission: sportingly and morally supporting a battered country while managing heavy administrative and financial realities. The message is clear: Ukraine is holding on, adapting and continuing to believe in the unifying power of football.
The rest
Shevchenko plans to continue developing football in Ukraine, particularly through initiatives like the School League, which has seen its number of participants explode. With the support of European countries and organizations like UEFA and FIFA, it hopes to overcome the logistical challenges of organizing matches abroad. The future of Ukrainian football will depend on the federation's ability to adapt and mobilize resources despite the difficulties.
Frequently asked questions
What did Andriy Shevchenko say about the situation in Ukraine?
Andriy Shevchenko said that there is no longer a normal life in Ukraine and that the situation has become much worse, especially for new generations.
Who confirmed Shevchenko's commitment to football in Ukraine?
Andriy Shevchenko himself confirmed his commitment to supporting national football in Ukraine in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Why is Shevchenko talking about the current situation in Ukraine now?
Shevchenko speaks about the current situation to highlight the challenges facing U-shaped football
kraine is facing due to the conflict and to express support during this difficult time.
What changes did Shevchenko mention regarding football in Ukraine?
Shevchenko mentioned that the Ukrainian federation faces enormous financial and organizational constraints, particularly due to the obligation to play all matches away.
What role does football play according to Shevchenko in the current context?
Shevchenko believes that football can bring a glimmer of hope and a smile to people in Ukraine despite the difficulties encountered.