The Ukrainian Football Association sent a letter to UEFA in connection with the facts of the illegal integration of clubs from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the Russian championships.

"

Beginning in 2026, a club from the temporarily occupied Donetsk under the name “Shakhtar” registers for participation in another league of the Russian championship and may hold its home matches in the territory of the temporarily occupied territory.

The fictitious FC Shakhtar has already revoked the license and title of the Russian National Football League to participate in the coming season. The team is using the name and identity of the famous Ukrainian FC Shakhtar without any legal authority or permission.

In addition, according to UAF information, clubs under the names Zorya (Lugansk) were illegally created to hold their matches in Belgorod, and Fregat from the immediately occupied territory of the Kherson region can also be obtained.

We say that the fact of the club’s participation, registered during the time-consuming occupation of the territory of Ukraine, in the schemes organized by the National Association of another power, will result in direct destruction of the UAF.

We would like to remind you that, consistent with Articles 10, 11 and 84 of the FIFA Statute, the UAF itself is the single legitimate national football association, which is responsible for organizing football activities throughout the entire.

Such Russian actions are partly coordinated political attempts to legitimize the occupation and erase the identity of Ukrainian football. Allowing such incidents without proper response does not pose a threat to the Ukrainian football ecosystem, and also supports the norms and principles of football governance, which are supported by UEFA.

The Ukrainian Football Association is expanding to the UEFA with plans to investigate the status and activities of designated clubs, provide an official clarification of their legal status and inform the UAF about the results of the review.

The integrity of European football, respect for internationally recognized cordons and the value of peace, solidarity and mutual respect, as exemplified by UEFA, despite being under threat. We trust your commitment to the principles of justice and ask you to make the necessary visits to ensure the prescribed nutrition,” the UAF statement said..

It was previously reported that Hemp responded to the scandal by liking videos with Russian content.