Shevchenko invites FIFA and UEFA chiefs to Ukraine, opposes Russia return
Andriy Shevchenko — President of the Ukrainian Football Association (Photo: UAF)
Ukraine remains strongly opposed to Russia’s return to international football and has invited FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin to visit the country, Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), said in a comment to Tribuna.com on April 17.
“Look, we're inviting you. It could happen,” Shevchenko stated.
“We, Ukraine, must be open to everyone. Our policy is to be open. There are certain things, as you know, that we speak out against—that much is clear. We have our policy regarding Russia and their admission, and we have never hidden it. My personal position, as it was, remains the same: we do not want Russia to be allowed into football. But the fact that they are coming shows that we have communication and relations, and I am happy to invite Infantino and Čeferin to come to Ukraine.”
Shevchenko’s remarks come after Infantino said on Feb. 2 that he was ready to discuss lifting the ban on Russian teams in international tournaments.
Čeferin has stated that his position on the suspension has not changed, though UEFA continues to review all aspects daily.
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