Andriy Pavelko: "2020 has proved that football really unites!"

31.12.2020 16:25

"2020 has proved that football really unites," said Andriy Pavelko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association and a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, in his New Year's greeting to all of football in Ukraine.

"During these festive moments, I wholeheartedly congratulate our entire big football family on the New Year and Christmas! These are more than 20 national teams under the auspices of the Ukrainian Football Association, regional and city associations, all collective members of the UAF, professional and amateur clubs and, of course, our fans, ”the UAF leader said in his greeting.

In his holiday address, Andriy Pavelko thanked each regional and city association, which together with the Ukrainian Football Association helped side by side with football veterans and local hospitals in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

"This extremely difficult year has taught us a lot. 2020 showed that we have not only a strong main team led by Andriy Shevchenko, but also talented young people who were ready to fight rivals. 2020 finally broke the stereotype that football is a man's game. Our national women's team has reached the Euro qualifiers, and a team of referees led by Kateryna Monzul is holding top-level matches not only in Ukraine but also in Europe, ”the UAF President said.

Also, according to Andriy Pavelko, 2020 convinced that hard work and belief in success help to achieve what seemed impossible. "In fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, we managed to finish the competition in the UPL, the Cup of Ukraine and the first league on a sports basis. We were able to partially return the fans to the stands, and it was their support that inspired the team to a historic victory in the match against formidable Spain, "said the president of the association.

Andriy Pavelko also reminded that despite all the troubles of 2020, football in Ukraine was actively developing. In particular, thanks to the initiative of the President of Ukraine and the help of the UAF, clubs are being revived in our country, new children's football fields and large sports facilities are being built.

"On the eve of 2021, I wish all of us new victories - personal and sports! Wins for each of our national teams! And I wish the main team to set a record of matches played next year! In addition to the World Cup qualifiers, to hold the maximum number of matches for the Euro and another game that we have left from 2020, "Andriy Pavelko wished.