The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has confirmed that the equipment of all national teams, including the Ukrainian one, has been approved.

Thus, UEFA approved the design of T-shirts, which depicts the silhouette of Ukraine with the Crimea “included” in the country, as well as with a nationalist slogan.

“The uniform of the Ukrainian national team (and all other teams) for the European Championship has been approved by UEFA in accordance with the applicable equipment rules,” UEFA representatives said in response to an inquiry from RT.

The design of the uniform of the Ukrainian national team for the European Football Championship starting on June 11 was presented the day before.

On the front of the T-shirts, the outlines of the state border are drawn, in which the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as the Crimea peninsula, are "included".

In addition, they feature the nationalist slogans "Glory to Ukraine!"

and "Glory to the Heroes!"

Later, the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) said that the organization's legal department consulted with the relevant UEFA services when developing images and inscriptions on the equipment: "The form was agreed upon long before the presentation, therefore, talks about a possible ban on its use by UEFA are absolutely groundless."

Immediately after Sunday's presentation of the design, it was criticized in Russia, and some demanded to file a protest with UEFA and suggested that the union would not approve of such symbols.

Thus, the UEFA comment raised bewilderment.

Thus, Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs from the Republic of Crimea, noted that the organization's actions contradict their own convictions.

At the same time, in his opinion, the Russian side should not react to a provocation.

“Confirmation that sports and politics are one for European countries, despite all the statements.

They follow the lead of certain political decisions and considerations on the part of Ukraine.

Of course, this is a provocation.

But, you know, no matter how much you say "halva", your mouth will not become sweeter.

No matter how much you draw such maps, it will in no way bring Crimea closer to Ukraine.

It just shows the low level of Ukrainian footballers, at least those who lead them.

It all looks ridiculous.

Well, they did it, so what? "

- Tsekov stressed in a conversation with RT.

Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergey Krivonosov adheres to a similar position.

However, in his opinion, it is necessary to take appropriate measures in the legal plane.

“This is a wrong decision, and, of course, everyone understands its political background.

At the same time, the UEFA rules are rather vague in this sense.

There is a committee that should raise such things.

I think it is necessary for specialists to work out this issue in the legal plane.

It is a pity that UEFA made such a decision ... But now it is important that the holiday is not spoiled, that is, do not pay attention to it until the Euro is over.

But in the future, it is worth taking measures, perhaps making some amendments to the regulations, so that such politicization of sports no longer occurs, ”Krivonosov said.

In turn, the honorary president of the RFU Vyacheslav Koloskov called on the organization to publicly explain its decision.

“For me this decision is absolutely inexplicable, they refer to the rules, but do not quote them.

When I was in the executive committees of UEFA and FIFA, there was a regulation on equipment.

Perhaps the regulations have changed, but the image of such a card, of course, can be considered a political image.

How else?

The political subtext can be seen clearly, this is a provocation in the expectation of our reaction, "- quotes the words of Koloskov" Championship ".

Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Dmitry Svyashchev also agreed with the position that the actions of the Ukrainian side should be interpreted as a provocation.

“It's like a mosquito bite - it bites unpleasantly, but nothing bad will happen because of this ... People who are interested in football go to the stadium not for political slogans, but for the pleasure of a sporting event.

They will rejoice at the European Championship held on the territory of the Russian Federation ", - quotes Svishchev" Sport-Express ".

In turn, the Kremlin noted that inciting hatred between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples is not worth it.

“Sport is sport, and at least we need to be above the incitement of some kind of hatred between Russians and Ukrainians, we have always been against this, and vice versa, we are convinced that we are two kindred peoples.

And at least in our country, Ukrainians are always welcome guests, ”said the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov.

It should be noted that the inclusion of nationalist slogans was outraged not only in Russia, but also in France. So, contrary to the statements of the UAF that the new form has caused approval throughout the world, the readers of Le Figaro declared the unacceptability of combining politics and sports.