A working meeting of Ukrainian sports associations and federations chaired by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine

05.05.2020 17:10

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Today, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadym Gutsait, a working video conference was held on the situation with COVID-19 and the resumption of sports competitions in the country after the end of quarantine. It was attended by the President of the Ukrainian Football Association, a member of the UEFA Executive Committee Andriy Pavelko and heads of federations of other sports.  

A preliminary discussion of possible options for quarantining Ukrainian football between Andriy Pavelko and Vadym Gutzayt took place yesterday during a telephone conversation. Also yesterday, the head of the UAF exchanged views on the resumption of sports activities in Ukraine with the Minister of Health Maxim Stepanov during a personal meeting with the President of the NOC of Ukraine Serhiy Bubka - in a telephone conversation.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

During the video conference, its participants shared with colleagues from other sports associations current issues faced by sports communities with the beginning of quarantine, reflections on possible ways to overcome them and options for gradually removing restrictions to restore a full sports life in our country.

In particular, Andriy Pavelko suggested that all sports associations develop their own protocols for the gradual resumption of competitions, including taking into account the experience of other countries, and submit appropriate proposals for consideration and approval to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. "We are all now also responsible for the health and lives of Ukrainian athletes, so it is extremely important to work together to develop optimal protocols for gradual exit from quarantine, which will be agreed with the relevant ministry, taking into account all possible risks," said the UAF president.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Andriy Pavelko also called on oblast leaders to pay attention to the problems faced by the sports community, as the challenges that have arisen since the beginning of the pandemic have often reduced spending in regional budgets by reducing funding for sports. "It is important that the heads of regional state administrations understand the responsibility for maintaining sports funding, and we are ready to work together with the regional leadership, government and parliament for optimal solutions that will be useful for the development of Ukrainian sports," said Andriy Pavelko.