The ÖFB and the Ukrainian Football Association have signed a memorandum that provides for more intensive cooperation between the two organizations.
ÖFB supervisory board chairman Josef Pröll and the Ukrainian association president Andriy Shevchenko sealed a corresponding agreement on Thursday in the Haus des Sports in Vienna. As part of the cooperation, Ukrainian athletes and coaches will be able to train in Austria, among other things.
Exact details are still being worked out, says Pröll. As soon as concrete projects have been finalized, they will be made public, explained the Lower Austrian.
Also agreements with other associations
The former world-class striker Shevchenko (“I would like to thank all Austrians for supporting my country”) emphasized the importance of football for his war-torn country. “It brings hope and is also therapy for our young people to put bad experiences behind them.”
The Ukrainian association has already concluded agreements similar to those with Austria with Italy, Croatia, Germany and France, and other countries are to follow. Shevchenko pointed out that football operations in Ukraine would continue regardless of the Russian war of aggression, albeit with restrictions on the number of spectators.
The national team, however, has to play its games outside the country. “My big dream is that one day, when everything is over, we will have a home game for our national team again,” said Europe’s 2004 Footballer of the Year.
Shevchenko thrilled by Rangnick
Shevchenko also came out as a big fan of the ÖFB selection and team boss Ralf Rangnick. “He’s an incredible coach and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
According to Sports Minister and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), the memorandum “goes far beyond sport. It is a political and humanitarian signal and statement.” “We have stood in solidarity with Ukraine since the first day of the brutal war of aggression. Sport is a very important pillar in the solidarity and partnership of our countries.”
Sports State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) added that the memorandum makes it clear what contribution sport can make to future prospects. “I’m looking forward to welcoming Ukrainian talents and coaches soon,” said Schmidt.
