The statement of the Dynamo and the Carpathians that they do not want to play in Mariupol because of a lack of security guarantees forced the president of the Ukrainian Football Federation Andrei Pavelko.

"I am sure that Mariupol is a peaceful Ukrainian city that deserves high-class football," declared Pavelko. - Local authorities and police provided all necessary guarantees, and most clubs do not reveal any doubts about the safety of trips to Mariupol. If someone is afraid - I'm ready to go with them in one bus and share all the risks. The terrorist threat exists all over the world, and not only during football matches. FFU can not guarantee complete security, however it is the competence of the relevant bodies. If there is a threat - an event, a match or a concert, simply cancel the ".

"I do not think that there is any special risk for teams from the capital or from Western Ukraine. A year ago in Mariupol there was a concert of the Ocean of Elsa, which gathered a full stadium of local residents, and there were no provocations or incidents. And do not forget how many guys gave their lives for the fact that there was peace in Mariupol now. And football is one of the signs of a peaceful life ".

"Last season teams from the First League from all over Ukraine came to Mariupol from Stry to Kramatorsk, from Kiev to Nikolaev, including the second team of one of the clubs that is now afraid of terrorists. And no incidents happened. Therefore, I once again call upon everyone to get acquainted with the security guarantees and reconsider their decision, to come to Mariupol within the time frame specified by the calendar and to give the city a football holiday ".

According to the calendar of the championship of Ukraine - 2016/2017, the Carpathians must play their first stage match in Mariupol on August 12, and Dynamo on August 26.