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.

On the neck of the shirt are notably inscribed the words of a patriotic song, taken up in recent years by Ukrainian opponents to Russia.

On the eve of the launch of the Euro, Ukrainian players could be forced to change shirts.

Called upon by Russia, UEFA in fact asked Ukraine Thursday to make last-minute alterations.

At the center of the controversy, there is an embroidery located at the level of the hearts of the players, representing the borders of the country.

Borders that include Crimea, annexed in 2014 by Russia.

Second point of attachment, the words inscribed inside the collar: "Glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes."

This is an excerpt from a patriotic song that has been widely repeated in recent years by Ukrainian opponents in Moscow.

UEFA judges slogan "political"

In a letter to UEFA, Russia demanded the immediate withdrawal of these words, on the grounds that they were sung during World War II as a rally against the USSR and therefore in support of Nazi Germany.

This is the reason why UEFA has asked Ukraine to have its controversial embroidery removed.

"After further analysis", this slogan appearing "inside the collar" of the Ukrainian tunic is "clearly of a political nature" and "must therefore be removed (…) in view of the UEFA competitive matches" , said the body, which had initially approved the outfit.

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UEFA, on the other hand, validated the Ukraine map appearing on the jersey, recalling that it corresponded to the country's internationally recognized borders. But the story is not over yet. The Ukrainian Football Association (AUF) said Thursday it was conducting "negotiations" to keep the slogan on the shirt. "This slogan has long been a traditional greeting for our supporters," said the body. The Ukrainian presidency has for its part warned UEFA against decisions taken under "political influence".