A statement sent by the Ukrainian Football Association to UEFA requesting the exclusion of representatives of a terrorist state from working in European football administrative bodies was commented on by Oleksiy Mykhaylichenko, first vice-president of the UAF:

— We are very concerned about the situation and in our letter we emphasize that this is unacceptable. I also serve on UEFA's National Teams Committee and do not understand how one can cooperate with Russians or even be in the same room with them. At the last congress held in Portugal, I saw the attitude of almost all participants towards the Russian delegation. There were no greetings — they seemed to be separated from the entire football world.

We are very grateful to FIFA and UEFA for giving a proper assessment to Russian terrorists and excluding them from international competitions. But with every step, with every action, we must show that Russia has no place in the civilized world.

For example, I am proud of what Olha Kharchenko did. She is not only a world champion for me but also a champion of peace. No championship medals or prizes are worth more than honor, integrity, and peace.

From our side in the UAF we held our executive committee meeting and see that intrigue has returned to Ukrainian football, there is national prominence again. On an international level, however, we will make it clear to everyone that the presence of Russians is unacceptable.

— In your opinion, why despite the ongoing war, crimes by Russia are being recorded, and its citizens are appointed to such organizations? Are there political or financial reasons?

— Yes, there are both political and somewhat financial reasons because Russia is trying to use all means on the front line, in art, and in sports. To break into the world, they use their entire arsenal.

We understand that football is a game of millions, first in the world, and for them it is very important. But I emphasize once again — our position will remain the same as we held from the first days of the war. We hope everyone remembers the map of Ukraine and the "Glory to Ukraine!" logo on the national team's jerseys. We will always defend our rightness and fight for Russia to be removed from football as soon as possible.