The Ukrainian Football Association has sent an official letter to the Union of European Football Associations regarding new instances of illegally integrating football clubs from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into internal competitions of the Russian Federation.

In the letter, it is emphasized that the Russian Football Union and state authorities in Russia "continue to illegally integrate Ukrainian clubs into their internal competitions, despite international law, fundamental principles of UEFA, and direct decisions by UEFA regarding the status of Ukrainian clubs from temporarily occupied territories."

As noted in the letter, starting in 2026, a club from the temporarily occupied Donetsk region under the name "Shakhtar" is registered to participate in the second league of the Russian championship and will play its home matches on territory of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

«The fictitious FC 'Shakhtar' has already received a license and approval from Russia's National Football League for participation in the next season. The team uses the name and identity of the real Ukrainian FC 'Shakhtar' without any legal basis or permits», — is stated in the letter.

Furthermore, according to information from the UAF, illegally created clubs under the names "Zorya" (Luhansk), which plays its matches in Belgorod, and "Fregat" from the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region may also be included in internal competitions of Russia.

We emphasize that «the participation of a club registered on temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories in competitions organized by the national association of another country, without the consent of UAF is a direct violation of territorial jurisdiction of UAF».

We remind that according to articles 10, 11 and 84 of the FIFA Statutes, only the UAF is the legitimate national football association authorized to organize football activities throughout Ukraine, including temporarily occupied regions.

In the letter it is highlighted that such actions by Russia are «part of a coordinated political attempt to legitimize occupation and erase Ukrainian football identity».

«Allowing for such cases without proper reaction not only threatens the integrity of the Ukrainian football ecosystem, but also undermines norms and principles of governance in football that UEFA supports», — is stated in the letter.

The Ukrainian Football Association has appealed to UEFA to investigate the status and activities of the mentioned clubs, provide an official clarification on their legal standing, and inform UAF about the results of the review.

«The integrity of European football, respect for internationally recognized borders, and values of peace, solidarity, and mutual respect that UEFA upholds are currently under threat. We trust in your dedication to principles of justice and ask you to take necessary actions regarding the mentioned issue», — is emphasized in the letter.