FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a special letter to the UAF with words of sympathy regarding the death of the president of the children's football club "Athletic" (Odessa) Oleksandr Shishkov.

A letter from FIFA President Gianni Infantino was delivered to the address of UAF President, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelka, in which he expressed condolences regarding the death of the president of the children's football club "Athletic" (Odessa) Oleksandr Shishkov.

The letter includes, among other things: "Dear Mr. President! I would like to express sincere and heartfelt condolences over the passing of Oleksandr Shishkov. In my view, words are insufficient to convey the sorrow we feel at this loss."

A former player of the Ukrainian national beach soccer team, who participated in the 2005 World Championship, president of the Odessa Beach Soccer Association — his legacy and his path on and off the field will not be forgotten. He truly will be missed.

On behalf of the international football community, I would like to express our deep condolences to the Ukrainian Football Association, as well as to Oleksandr's family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with you. We hope that these memories and our words of support will bring peace and comfort during this difficult time».

Oleksandr Shishkov, aged 42, died on July 1, 2022 as a result of a terrorist missile strike by Russian occupiers on the resort village of Serhiivka in Odessa Oblast.