Ten years after the Paris terrorist attacks and as Russia continues to occupy Ukraine, the president of the Ukrainian Football Association is set to travel to the Stade de France to watch his troubled country play France.
Andriy Shevchenko marked the 10th anniversary of the jihadist attack on the French capital, declaring the need to “unite against the forces of evil” before taking on Ukraine and France.
On November 13, 2015, a spate of shootings and suicide bombings occurred at the Stade de France, killing 130 people and injuring over 400, including one person. During a friendly match between France and Germany, three suicide bombers detonated their explosives after being denied entry to the arena. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
Since then, Russia has invaded Ukraine and former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Shevchenko became president of the Ukrainian FA. And before Thursday’s World Cup qualifiers, where security has been tightened and France wins, France will qualify for North America next summer, Shevchenko said the match was about more than soccer.
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“This is a great tragedy and we sympathize with the French people, because we Ukrainians deeply understand the horror of an unjustified terrorist attack that takes the lives of innocent people,” said the 2004 Ballon d’Or winner. “To ensure lasting peace and the flourishing of democracy, it is critical that we stand together against the forces of evil.”
Shevchenko returned to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 and became the FA in January last year.
“Ukraine is currently going through the most difficult period in its history,” he told L’Equipe newspaper. “That’s why I’m in Ukraine. I want to help my country. That’s the main reason I agreed to participate in the 2024 elections for president of the Ukrainian Football Federation (AUF).”
“My goal is to support Ukraine in all aspects. My goal today is to do everything in my power to ensure that Ukraine continues to exist as an independent state and nation.”
Shevchenko’s father was a tank officer in the Red Army and was close to former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who was forced to sell the club after the invasion.
“I have always identified as Ukrainian. That’s how my parents raised me. As for Russia, everything changed when they started the war. My goal today is to do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine continues to exist as an independent state and nation, especially since Russian aggression calls into question our sovereignty and our very right to exist.”
Ukraine qualified for the 2006 World Cup, but lost to champions Italy in the quarterfinals. Currently managed by former Spurs striker Sergii Rebrov, they sit second behind France in Group D and could face a decisive clash with Iceland for second place on Sunday.
“It’s very important (for us to qualify),” Shevchenko added. “There are two important aspects. First, it is essential to represent our country on the international stage and remind the world of Ukraine’s existence.
“Secondly, this is a great achievement in the sporting world. We have achieved it only once before, in 2006, but we want to do it again. This is a great achievement for the players, a chance to prove themselves internationally, and it will also strengthen us as an association, because such successes will promote the development of Ukrainian football as a whole.”
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