At the invitation of President of the Ukrainian Football Association, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko, FIFA Director for European National Associations Elhag Mamadov paid a working visit to Kyiv. The meeting between the FIFA representative and the head of the UAF, which also included First Vice-Presidents of the UAF Oleksiy Mykhaylichenko, Anatoliy Demianenko, Oleg Protasov, Vadim Kostyuchenko, as well as Vice-President and General Secretary of the UAF Yuri Zapyasochnyy, took place at the Football House. Later, a separate meeting between representatives of FIFA and the UAF and Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadym Gutzeit also occurred.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Andriy Pavelko, on behalf of the entire football community in Ukraine, thanked Elhag Mamadov for FIFA's support to our country since the beginning of Russia's full-scale military aggression. Separately, the President of the UAF expressed gratitude to FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino for promptly removing Russian teams from all competitions under the auspices of the international football federation.

Photo by the press service of UAF

“Today’s visit to Ukraine by our good friend from Azerbaijan, FIFA representative Elhag Mamadov, is a wonderful example of warm relations with our country. Thankful to FIFA and personally Gianni Infantino for the help that has already been provided and continues to be offered to our country in these difficult times. Also thank you for FIFA’s readiness to assist in the revival of Ukrainian football after our victory over Russian occupiers. Among the main priorities - programs that will help Ukrainian children forget about war horrors through active engagement in football. We discussed with the FIFA representative a number of projects we plan to implement together,”— Andriy Pavelko said.

Photo by the press service of UAF

In turn, Elhag Mamadov noted that it was extremely pleasant for him to be in Kyiv and express support to the entire Ukrainian people. “Of course, now FIFA’s presence in Ukraine is very important because we are an organization that primarily promotes football. And I am very glad to be here today in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. I am happy to communicate with my Ukrainian colleagues and see firsthand how active life is returning to Kyiv and many other cities across the country. And it’s heartening to see that the team at the Ukrainian Football Association continues its work actively from the central Football House. Ukrainian football is exemplary because becoming a U-20 World Cup champion, as your national team did, is a great achievement. We wish for a quick revival of football in Ukraine!”— Elhag Mamadov wished.

Photo by the press service of UAF

The FIFA representative also said that the international football federation is closely monitoring Ukrainian players and referees who are currently abroad and trying to help them. “For 90 days now, FIFA, UEFA, and many national associations have actively supported the Ukrainian people, and we continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. I wish you peace and a quick revival of football in Ukraine. Thank you for not giving up during this difficult period and continuing to develop football. Glory to Ukraine!”— Elhag Mamadov said.

Photo by the press service of UAF