Officially. UAF discussed with UPL and PFL clubs the prospects of resuming football competitions in Ukraine

29.04.2020 21:50

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

On April 29, at the initiative of Ukrainian Association of Football, the officials of UAF, UPL, PFL and the Professional Union "Football of Ukraine" communicated with representatives of all three professional leagues.

The communication was in the format of three video conferences - separately with the UPL, First and Second leagues teams. It should be noted that representatives of all UPL and First League teams took part in the communication. The second league was represented almost in its entirety.

"Today there is every precondition to hope that our country has survived the peak of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic," said Oleg Protasov, First Vice-President of the UAF, in his welcoming speech. - At least our government has already announced an approximate plan to quarantine. And, accordingly, we also, using the recommendations of FIFA and UEFA and guided by the laws of our country, can already begin to talk about the return of football to the stadiums of Ukraine.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

It is too early to name the exact dates. But the subject of the conversation is already there. Since the beginning of quarantine, we have been in constant contact with UPL and PFL managers. As for the Premier League, First and Second league tournaments, UAF's position is clear. It was recently voiced by UAF president Andrii Pavelko - winners and medal-takers, teams that should be promoted or relegated, as well as the Ukrainian Cup winner should only be determined on a sports principle”.

“We have a cautious reason to say that it will be so. But, once again, all the dates - the beginning of the competitions resumption, the calendar of matches in all leagues, the dates of the semi-finals and the finals of Ukrainian Cup - will be approved by the UAF Executive Committee only after the relevant orders of the Government of Ukraine to mitigate or cancel the quarantine. Without appropriate government's decision UAF can't make decisions on the resumption of competitions”, - Oleh Protasov emphasized.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Subsequently, team representatives were able to talk with UAF first vice-president, as well as with UAF head of Legal Department, Ihor Hryshchenko. UPL Executive Director Yevhen Dykyi and PFL sports director Yevhen Moroz, for their part, briefed representatives of the teams about the plans for the competitions resumption.

Due to the lack of clear information on mitigation or abolition of quarantine in Ukraine, representatives of clubs have not yet received answers to some questions. But at the same time, communication in this format was recognized as useful by the leadership of the UAF, UPL and PFL, as well as clubs. All agreed that such consultations should be continued on further joint action.

It was decided to agree on the date of the next such communication after May 6 - on this day the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has to decide what kind of quarantine reduction will take place from May 11.