No secret that in Ukraine, there was never a single system for conducting amateur competitions at the regional level. Most of these competitions were held under the "spring-fall" system. Meanwhile, professional football in Ukraine operates on the "fall-spring" system, as does the championship of the Children and Youth Football League of Ukraine.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The question of bringing all competition systems in the country to a single standard was on the agenda at the Assembly of Regions of the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA).

The rational need for transitioning to a unified structure of competitions in Ukrainian football has been long overdue. Discussions about this have been going on for many years, but there were no consequences or decisive actions taken in this direction.

Photo: Dan Balashov

For reference: the overwhelming majority of European countries (almost 80%) play under the "fall-spring" system, and only 12 football associations — members of UEFA — conduct matches according to the "spring-fall" schedule. Our regions are similarly divided but in a mirror image: 75% of them play under the "spring-fall" system, while the rest use the "fall-spring" system. Currently, competitions take place in 20 regions of Ukraine. Only five do so according to the national professional football system. During the assembly meeting, some associations announced their intention to switch to the new system right away, so this number will increase.

Photo: Dan Balashov

What will Ukrainian football gain overall from the implementation of unified standards for all competitions on the territory of Ukraine?

Firstly, we will have a single sports season term for the entire country — July 1 to June 30.

Secondly, there will be a uniform system for all football competitions — "fall-spring."

Thirdly, unified transfer windows and player movement rules between teams and leagues will be established for all competition participants.

Regarding regional amateur competitions, this will certainly allow adhering to the status and transfer regulations of football players as per the Regulations.

Photo: Dan Balashov

This will also simplify the control over the number of transfers and help avoid third registrations, which prevent players from participating in competitions until the end of the sports season. Unfortunately, such cases are not rare.

All this should contribute to the stability of competition participants' composition. All regions of the country will play under a single system with unified transfer rules for all.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Finally, this will allow transitioning to the principle of continuous participation of teams in competitions throughout the sports season, which is mandatory, especially for professional football. Such stability should eventually lead to an improvement in competition levels at the regional level.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The UFA well understands the importance of regional amateur football. It is the foundation of national football, its roots. Therefore, changes to the competition system will be implemented gradually through the application of what is called a transitional period, the terms and duration of which will be discussed and approved.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The Assembly of Regions of the UFA confirmed with its decision that despite the circumstances in which Ukrainian football lives and works today, it is necessary to seek optimal and effective solutions that will make it more competitive and resilient to the impact of difficult external factors.