From February 2 to 5 in Limassol (Cyprus), a UEFA elite category referees training course took place, gathering leading referees from the continent. Ukraine was represented by FIFA referee Mykola Balakin at this prestigious event.

Photo KAUAF

The program was intensive and comprehensive. Participants underwent mandatory physical condition and vision control procedures, as well as a series of theoretical and practical sessions. UEFA leading instructors conducted lectures focusing on key aspects of modern refereeing — decision-making in penalty areas, handling fights and handballs, offside situations, tactical fouls, game management, and interaction between the referee and team captains. Each thematic block was accompanied by video tests and detailed analysis of game situations.

Photo KAUAF

A significant component of the course was physical preparation. Referees performed a complex test with PNP (perimeter navigation), which included a series of 140-meter sprints with direction changes and a final PNP stage — total of 20 repetitions.

Photo KAUAF

A special emotional highlight of the event was Mykola Balakin's presentation on "My Life, Career, Courage and Resilience in War Conditions." The Ukrainian referee's speech made a deep impression on the course participants and vividly demonstrated the challenging conditions under which Ukrainian match officials work.