Andriy Shevchenko: «Due to political aspects, Ukraine and I personally are not wanted in the UEFA governing body»

04.04.2025 14:50

The President of the UAF, Andriy Shevchenko, commented on yesterday's UEFA Executive Committee elections, which took place during the 49th Congress of the organization in Belgrade.

«First of all, I would once again thank the regional football associations and the Executive Committee of the UAF for nominating me as a candidate for the UEFA Executive Committee.

I’m also grateful to our team for their work during these two months of the campaign, and to the national associations for the opportunity to meet or speak personally with almost every one of them. I received strong support from colleagues in my effort to join the Executive Committee.

Throughout my life and career, I have followed one core principle — the sporting one. I believe in fair, open, and transparent competition. I come from football, and I stand for football.

Unfortunately, in the last few days, we received clear signals that — due to political factors — both Ukraine and I personally were not welcome in UEFA’s leadership. These concerns were confirmed by the events that followed during the Congress itself.

In light of this, I want to express my deep gratitude to those national associations that voted for me and for Ukraine today. Because this vote was not just about me as a candidate — it was a vote of support for our entire country.

We will not change our position. We will continue with our reforms in Ukrainian football and remain committed to strong international communication in the interests of our nation and the entire football community», — Andriy Shevchenko stated.