Kiev (AFP)
Ukraine is "negotiating" with UEFA to keep its jersey unchanged, the slogan of which is deemed "political" by the European body against the backdrop of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the Ukrainian football federation told AFP on Thursday.
"The Ukrainian Football Association (AUF) is negotiating to keep this slogan on the shirt since UEFA had previously approved the kit and all its elements, including the phrase + Glory to the Heroes +", said the service of Federation press.
The president of the AUF, Andriï Pavelko, indicated on Facebook that he left "urgently" for Rome in the morning to "negotiate with representatives of UEFA".
"This slogan has long been a traditional greeting for our supporters," he added.
Called upon by Russian protests, UEFA asked earlier today for a modification of the Ukrainian jersey, on the eve of the opening of the Euro football tournament (11 June-11 July), finally deeming the mention "political". "Glory to the heroes" denounced by Moscow.
"After further analysis", this slogan appearing "inside the collar" of the Ukrainian tunic is "clearly of a political nature" and "must therefore be withdrawn (...) in view of the competitive matches of the UEFA, "the body told AFP.
UEFA, on the other hand, validated the map of Ukraine appearing on the jersey and including Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, recalling that it corresponded to the country's internationally recognized borders.
It also rejected the Russian appeal against the slogan "Glory to Ukraine", endorsed by UEFA since 2018.
The press service of the Russian Football Federation, however, told AFP that "even with the changes made, the uniform of the Ukrainian national team remains politicized and sets a dangerous precedent", without indicating what action it wishes to take. to the case.
The double formula "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes", taken from a patriotic song, had become a rallying cry during the pro-Western popular uprising of Maidan in 2014, which ousted a president supported by the Kremlin , Viktor Yanukovych.
It was adopted in 2018 as the official greeting of the Ukrainian army and police.
The Ukrainian presidency has for its part warned UEFA against decisions taken under "political influence".
"Ukraine respects 'UEFA decisions' which must be taken without political influence and interference," the presidency said in a statement.
The contested slogans are "engraved in the soul of every Ukrainian, they unite us" and "help us to" defend our Ukraine ", she continued.
On Thursday, a representative of the Ukrainian equipment manufacturer, the Spanish group Joma, told AFP that 1,500 jerseys had been sold online in two days.
© 2021 AFP