Shakhtar Donetsk CEO criticizes the entity’s lack of support since the beginning of the Russian invasion
Shakhtar Donetsk’s executive, Serhii Palkin, accused FIFA of neglecting Ukrainian football since the beginning of the Russian invasion of the country 3 years ago, according to information on Friday (21.FEV.2025). Palkin expressed his frustration with the lack of support from the top football entity, despite the challenges faced by the sport in Ukraine. The Ukrainian domestic league resumed its activities after a 6 -month break, but deals with a difficult economic situation and damage to its infrastructure.
“Since the beginning of the war, FIFA has never supported Ukrainian football”, said Palkin. He criticized FIFA for maintaining its “Closed doors” For Ukraine, despite the calls for help. Palkin suggested the creation of a Ukrainian football support fund with FIFA as one of the main donors.
The relationship between FIFA and Ukraine worsened after the entity’s decision to allow foreign players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts, resulting in financial losses to Ukrainian clubs. Shakhtar Donetsk even requested £ 43 million in damage to FIFA in 2022, but lost the case at the sports arbitration court.
Palkin also emphasized the importance of FIFA and UEFA to maintain the ban on Russian teams in international competitions, considering the crucial measure in the face of the geopolitical context. The Russian invasion exacerbated a war that has lasted a decade and forced Shakhtar to play away from his hometown since 2014.
Despite criticism, FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, promised to support the growth of football in Ukraine. In February last year, Infantino met Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association, and highlighted FIFA’s commitment to the development of sports in the country. The FIFA Foundation allocated $ 1 million to help Ukraine with humanitarian supplies in March 2022.
