During the meeting, Andriy Pavelko commented on the issue of selecting the head coach for Ukraine's national team.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

— First of all, I want to thank Oleksandr Petrakov for his work during a very difficult time,— said the president of the UAF. — After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, he worked on all our matches, we had a great chance to qualify for the World Cup and return to League A.

We all understand that it is necessary to move forward, see our national team in perspective, as there is a change of generations. The UAF National Teams Committee is doing significant work with candidates. Yes, we are communicating with Serhiy Rebrov, we have a common vision regarding the play of our national teams. We appreciate that he can bring Spanish models and experts to our football. This will apply not only to the national team but also to youth and junior levels. I am convinced that this is a strategic and very long-term step.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

However, Serhiy Rebrov has an active contract with his club. Therefore, I ask everyone to wait a little. We all very much want to announce some decision. But there are rules, there is a contract, Serhiy Stanislavovich needs to fulfill it. I am convinced that he is currently focused on work at his club. After some time, I believe we will announce everything.

Yesterday was the meeting with the regional council, we considered this issue among others. The members of the executive committee and our representatives in the UPL and PFL know how we are working on this matter.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

— Who will lead the Ukraine national team in the Euro 2024 qualifier match against England, which will take place on March 26 at Wembley?

— This is a very important starting game. We have a strategic vision for the coaching staff to carry out tectonic work with several generations of players. We could build that strategic model that would allow our national team to play not only on March 26 at Wembley, but also in the World Cup 2030 when we all expect a home championship.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

We are calculating all the options. But most importantly, our national team will be prepared by those specialists who could work for several qualifying cycles. We have young and talented boys, now a generation of World Cup U-20 champions is growing, the next generation — 'youth' that qualified for Euro 2023 and has a good chance to qualify for the Olympics. So the coaching staff needs to develop a long-term strategy.