Football (Representational photo)
Two Ukrainian footballers have been killed amid Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, global football federation FIFPRO has confirmed.
As Goal.com reports, 21-year-old Vitaly Sapilo and 25-year-old Dmitro Martynenko have lost their lives in the conflict following a military offensive by Russian forces on Ukraine.
Sapilo was a goalkeeper with Third Division side Karpaty Lviv youth team, while Martynenko last represented Second Division side FC Hostomel.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitaly Sapilo and Dimitro Martynenko, who are football’s first defeat in this war. May they both rest in peace,” an official statement from FIFPRO said.
Following rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the sporting fraternity has become active and many events in Russia have been cancelled, including the Russian Grand Prix.
The Champions League final has also been moved out of Russia and will now take place in Paris.
Earlier, Chelsea FC’s Russian boss Roman Abramovich confirmed that he would sell the club after spending 19 years in charge of the club.
Abramovich has faced severe backlash over his alleged close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the country’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
– ANI. reported by