The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football has addressed UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, members of the executive committee, and the organization’s administration with an official position on the participation of the Belarus’ national futsal team in the final tournament of Euro 2026, which Latvia will host.
According to the Ukrainian Association of Football’s press service, the letter emphasizes the unacceptability of the political presence of a state that supports armed aggression against Ukraine in competitions under the umbrella of the European football community.
“For the European football family, in order to remain consistent in its position on the war in Ukraine and to adhere to the chosen approach to aggressors, the political presence of a state that supports aggression, through displaying its national symbols – the anthem and the flag – is unacceptable. This contradicts the fundamental values of peace, mutual respect, and unity, which we all share.”
– UAF
It was also emphasized that the international community has since 2022 consistently applied a policy toward Belarusian athletes: allow participation either in neutral status or be completely suspended. This practice has been introduced by the International Olympic Committee and several leading international sports federations, which allow competition without using national symbols or apply full suspension.
“Such broad international practice shows that the requirement for Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions exclusively under neutral status fully conforms to established global standards today.”
– UAF
Key Requirements for Belarus’ Futsal Team Participation in Euro 2026
“We insist that the Belarusian futsal team participate in the final tournament of the European Championship exclusively in a neutral status, without using any state symbols. This will fully preserve the fairness of the competition, while clearly demonstrating zero tolerance for supporting military aggression. Such an approach will align with established international practice and demonstrate European football’s consistent stance on zero tolerance for supporting military aggression”
– UAF
It was also noted that Ukraine, Latvia, and Croatia oppose the Belarusian futsal team’s participation under the national flag – a corresponding statement was issued.
The Executive Committee of the UAF believes that UEFA’s decision on this matter will confirm the unity of the European football family and its commitment to the fundamental values of peace, respect, and responsibility.
Recall that the Ukrainian national futsal team is preparing for the Euro 2026 final tournament. In the group stage, the Ukrainian team will play against Armenia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic: matches scheduled for January 22, 25, and 28 respectively.