Vancouver, April 29, 2026. The Royal Netherlands Football Association and the Ukrainian Football Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new chapter in their long-standing friendly relations in Dutch and Ukrainian football.

The agreement was signed prior to the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver (Canada) by the presidents and general secretaries of both associations: Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Football Association; Igor Gryshchenko, General Secretary of the Ukrainian Football Association; Frank de Boer, President of the Royal Netherlands Football Association; and Gies van Houwelingen, General Secretary of the Royal Netherlands Football Association.

The Vice-President of the Royal Netherlands Football Association, Marijana van Leuwen, was also present in Vancouver as part of the highest-level delegation from the association, underscoring the importance the association places on relations with Ukrainian football.

By signing this Memorandum, both parties reaffirm their shared desire to deepen cooperation and knowledge exchange in areas that promote the sustained development of football. The partnership will cover such fields as coaching training, refereeing development, youth and women’s football, football governance, and overall organization of football activities under increased challenges.

For the Royal Netherlands Football Association, signing this document is also an acknowledgment of the exceptional resilience and dedication shown by Ukrainian football in recent years. Despite enduring challenges faced by the country, Ukrainian colleagues continue to ensure the functioning, organization, and development of football at a high level. As Frank de Boer, President of the Royal Netherlands Football Association, noted, such perseverance and commitment to football have made a significant impression on the entire European football community.

"Football is based on connection, trust, and solidarity," Frank de Boer said. "Our Ukrainian colleagues have demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication to the game. Through this Memorandum, we aim to strengthen our friendship and, wherever possible, make a contribution to the future of football in Ukraine."

Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Football Association, emphasized the importance of international cooperation: "We highly value the friendship and support from the Royal Netherlands Football Association. This agreement opens new possibilities for mutual experience exchange, raising the professional level of our experts, and building a stronger Ukrainian football in the future."

The signing of the Memorandum in Vancouver reflects close relations between the two associations and their shared belief in football’s ability to unite people. In the near future, the Royal Netherlands Football Association and the Ukrainian Football Association will develop specific projects and exchange programs that will translate the agreement into practical terms.

Thanks to this cooperation, both associations aim not only to exchange expertise and experience but also to nurture values that unite them: friendship, solidarity, resilience, and deep love for football.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association is one of the leading football associations in Europe, recognized as a benchmark in its work at both an organizational level and in building an effective governance system – from youth and amateur football, club cooperation, VAR application, football for people with disabilities, to stable success of professional clubs and national teams.