Ukraine FA warned against suspending plot to parachute Shevchenko as new boss
December 20 - In a joint letter to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), FIFA and UEFA warned that they could face international suspension if they fail to comply with the statutes of the two governing bodies.
The letter to the UAF Vice-Presidents from FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura and UEFA General Secretary Theo Theodoridis notes "with deep concern that members of the Executive Committee of the UAF were allegedly pressured to sign requests to hold an extraordinary meeting of the UAF".
UAF President Andriy Pavelko was arrested last month for allegedly embezzling international aid funds. UAF want to hold a virtual reunion with the intention of replacing him with former Ukrainian gaming legend Andriy Shevchenko (pictured).
FIFA and UEFA are concerned about any pressure exerted on UAF members ahead of the meeting and in their letter recall their statutes regarding the federation's obligation "to manage its affairs independently and without influence due to third parties. Any violation of this obligation may result in the suspension of the UAF's membership in FIFA and UEFA in accordance with art. 16 of the FIFA Statutes and art. 9 of the UEFA Statutes."
UAF Vice-President Oleg Protasov wrote on his Facebook page: "I would like to remind you that previously all members of the [UFA] executive committee received an action plan regarding the convening and holding of a virtual executive committee of the UAF regarding the distrust and dismissal of the leadership of the Ukrainian Association.
"And before that, six heads of regional football associations drafted protocols on the convening of the UAF Congress in the offices of the heads of regional military administrations and under the watchful eye of the SBU.
>"Today I received new information, it appears that the Ministry of Justice will be involved before the authorities fully intervene in football matters."
For the UAF to call an extraordinary meeting of the committee, two-thirds of its members must agree. However, the UAF executive committee does not have the power to change the president. This could only be done at an extraordinary convention which requires the support of 75% of voting members before it can be called.
Protasov, who played his international football for the Soviet Union, like Shevchenko, is also widely regarded as one of Ukraine's greatest players. Protasov accused a "subversive group" of being behind the plot to elect Shevchenko.
In their joint letter, FIFA and UEFA state: "In the future, we sincerely hope that the situation can be resolved amicably, and kindly ask you to keep us informed of any developments in this case so that we can assess the need for any further steps."
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1671624411labto1671624411ofdlr1671624411owedi1671624411sni@n1671624411osloh1671624411cin.l1671624411uap1671624411
December 20 - In a joint letter to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), FIFA and UEFA warned that they could face international suspension if they fail to comply with the statutes of the two governing bodies.
The letter to the UAF Vice-Presidents from FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura and UEFA General Secretary Theo Theodoridis notes "with deep concern that members of the Executive Committee of the UAF were allegedly pressured to sign requests to hold an extraordinary meeting of the UAF".
UAF President Andriy Pavelko was arrested last month for allegedly embezzling international aid funds. UAF want to hold a virtual reunion with the intention of replacing him with former Ukrainian gaming legend Andriy Shevchenko (pictured).
FIFA and UEFA are concerned about any pressure exerted on UAF members ahead of the meeting and in their letter recall their statutes regarding the federation's obligation "to manage its affairs independently and without influence due to third parties. Any violation of this obligation may result in the suspension of the UAF's membership in FIFA and UEFA in accordance with art. 16 of the FIFA Statutes and art. 9 of the UEFA Statutes."
UAF Vice-President Oleg Protasov wrote on his Facebook page: "I would like to remind you that previously all members of the [UFA] executive committee received an action plan regarding the convening and holding of a virtual executive committee of the UAF regarding the distrust and dismissal of the leadership of the Ukrainian Association.
"And before that, six heads of regional football associations drafted protocols on the convening of the UAF Congress in the offices of the heads of regional military administrations and under the watchful eye of the SBU.
>"Today I received new information, it appears that the Ministry of Justice will be involved before the authorities fully intervene in football matters."
For the UAF to call an extraordinary meeting of the committee, two-thirds of its members must agree. However, the UAF executive committee does not have the power to change the president. This could only be done at an extraordinary convention which requires the support of 75% of voting members before it can be called.
Protasov, who played his international football for the Soviet Union, like Shevchenko, is also widely regarded as one of Ukraine's greatest players. Protasov accused a "subversive group" of being behind the plot to elect Shevchenko.
In their joint letter, FIFA and UEFA state: "In the future, we sincerely hope that the situation can be resolved amicably, and kindly ask you to keep us informed of any developments in this case so that we can assess the need for any further steps."
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1671624411labto1671624411ofdlr1671624411owedi1671624411sni@n1671624411osloh1671624411cin.l1671624411uap1671624411
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