KV Mechelen will host a charity match against Ukrainian club FC Karpaty Lviv this Saturday at the Achter de Kazerne stadium to raise funds for wounded soldiers. The event, organized by Foundation Mechelen in partnership with the city of Mechelen, serves as the centerpiece of the club’s annual fan weekend.
Charity Match for Ukrainian Soldiers
The match, scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. local time kickoff, aims to support a facility for military personnel returning from Russia who have suffered severe (psychological) mistreatment. Club legend Piet den Boer, who was a match-winner in the 1988 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, has been instrumental in promoting the event. Den Boer, who has personally visited Ukraine, emphasized the gravity of the situation for the soldiers the match intends to support.
The initiative stems from a partnership established in 2024 between the city of Mechelen and the Ukrainian city of Lviv. Following the match, the club has organized an afterparty featuring entertainment, including appearances by Ruben Van Gucht.
Karpaty Lviv’s Current Standing
Despite the ongoing war, competitive football continues in Ukraine. FC Karpaty Lviv currently holds a strong position in the Ukrainian first class, sitting in third place after seven matchdays. The club is performing well in the domestic league, trailing co-leader Shakhtar Donetsk by four points and holding a one-point advantage over Dynamo Kyiv.
Historical Links Between Clubs
The connection between the two clubs is bolstered by previous player transfers, most notably that of Marian Shved. Shved recorded 57 official appearances for KV Mechelen between 2020 and 2022. In the summer of 2022, he transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee of 1 million euros. Shved remains active at the club that is playing in the Champions League this season, and his former connection to both organizations has helped bridge the two communities for this weekend’s event.
Fan Weekend Activities
For KV Mechelen, the charity match offers a reprieve from recent competitive pressures. The club has experienced a challenging start to the season, securing three points from 18. Despite these results, sporting director Tom Caluwé has confirmed that the club maintains its confidence in coach Fred Vanderbiest. The weekend is designed to bring the technical staff, players, and supporters together through a series of activities, including a team presentation, player lunch, and autograph sessions scheduled for Sunday.
KV Mechelen Hosts FC Karpaty Lviv for Fundraiser
- Match: KV Mechelen vs. FC Karpaty Lviv
- Date: Saturday
- Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. local time
- Venue: Achter de Kazerne, Mechelen
- Purpose: Fundraising for injured Ukrainian military personnel
The club expects significant attendance from the Ukrainian community residing in Belgium to support the event. Following the Saturday match and festivities, the fan weekend will conclude with the scheduled family-oriented activities on Sunday.
More on Achter de Kazerne
Related reading
