KIEV, 7 Jun. (dpa/EP) –
Ukraine has unveiled the design of its new kit for Euro 2020 and a shirt in which the map of the country includes Crimea, which has generated criticism in Russia due to the political conflict between the two countries in this region.
The uniform, designed in the traditional yellow and blue of the national team, features a white outline that surrounds the country’s borders. The Crimean peninsula, which is included in the design, was annexed by Russia in 2014, but is still internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
The shirt also contains the inscriptions ‘Glory to Ukraine’ and ‘Glory to the heroes’, each of which is recognized as an official military salute in the country. Andriy Pavelko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), said: “We believe that the silhouette of Ukraine will add strength to the players because they will fight for the whole country.”
The design was described as “absurd” by Dmitry Svishchev, a deputy in Russia’s State Duma, who told RT that he expects UEFA to act.
“Crimea has been an integral territory of Russia for seven years. I am sure that UEFA should react strongly to what happened. Ukraine’s national team still has time to create a new uniform that allows it to go to the Euro Cup not to broadcast political slogans, but to fight for the honor of his country in his favorite sport, “lamented the Russian politician.
However, Anatoly Vorobyov, the former secretary general of the Russian Football Federation (RFU), believes that only an official Russian complaint could involve the football authorities. “Everybody uses these things to promote certain political opinions. Sport must stay out of politics. Unfortunately, in today’s times it doesn’t always happen,” he said.
Ukraine will start their Eurocup journey against the Netherlands on June 13 and will also face Austria and North Macedonia in Group C. For their part, Russia will make their debut against Belgium on June 12 and are also drawn with Denmark and Finland in Group B.
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