Shakhtar CEO, Sergei Palkin, has criticized FIFA for turning its back on the Ukrainian club during Russia’s war against Ukraine. He expressed his frustration with the lack of support FIFA gives to Ukrainian clubs, which has been a long-standing issue. Palkin also highlighted the anger felt towards FIFA’s rules that allow legionnaires to suspend contracts with Ukrainian clubs, resulting in the loss of tens of millions of euros for Shakhtar. Despite being part of the football family, Ukraine has been excluded since the war began, according to Palkin. Seven legionnaires are currently playing on free loan from Shakhtar due to FIFA regulations.
Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin criticized FIFA, which, according to him, turned its back on the Ukrainian club after the start of Russia’s massive war against our country.
Sergei Palkin made a harsh criticism of FIFA. The office believes that this organization left the Ukrainian club during the war.
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“FIFA does not give any support to Ukrainian clubs. This is the biggest problem, and that is why we have been trying to fight them for so long.”
Sergei Palkin. Photo: FC Shakhtar
The office reiterated its anger at FIFA rules, which allow legionnaires to suspend contracts with Ukrainian clubs. Because of this decision, Shakhtar lost tens of millions of euros.
“Alright, you’re helping the legionnaires, I understand. However, what about Ukrainian football itself and Ukrainian football players? In all their speeches they always say “we are one football family”, but Ukraine has been out of this football family since the beginning of the war,” ESPN quoted Palkin.
It should be noted that due to FIFA regulations, as many as seven legionnaires are playing on free loan from Shakhtar.
