The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Football Association addressed a formal position to UEFA President Alexander Cherchev, members of the UEFA Executive Committee, and UEFA administration regarding Belarus national team participation in the final tournament of the Men's European Handball Championship 2026 to be held in Latvia.

The letter emphasizes the unacceptability of political presence of a state that supports military aggression against Ukraine in European football competitions:

«For the European football family, to remain consistent in its position regarding the war in Ukraine and adhere to the chosen approach towards aggressors, it is unacceptable to have the political presence of a state that supports aggression through the display of its national symbols — anthem and flag. This contradicts fundamental values of peace, mutual respect, and unity, which we all share.»

It was noted that since 2022, the international community has consistently applied a policy towards Belarusian athletes, allowing them to participate only in neutral status or completely excluding them. This practice was adopted by the International Olympic Committee and many leading international sports federations, which allow participation without national symbols or apply full exclusion:

«Such wide-ranging international practice proves that the requirement for Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions exclusively under a neutral status fully complies with established current-day global standards.»

“A joint official statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science on this matter has already been sent for your consideration.”

«We urge the Belarus national handball team to participate in the European Championship final tournament exclusively under a neutral status, without using any state symbols. This will fully preserve sporting fairness while clearly demonstrating zero tolerance for supporting military aggression. Such an approach will comply with established international practice and demonstrate Europe’s consistent stance on zero tolerance towards supporting military aggression.»

The Executive Committee of the UAF is confident that UEFA's decision on this matter will be a confirmation of the unity of the European football family and its commitment to fundamental values of peace, respect, and responsibility.