In 2024, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) failed to distribute due solidarity payments to Ukrainian clubs. At the same time, such payments were made to federations of other countries – including Russia.
Who is entitled to solidarity payments?
Solidarity payments (308 million euros) are part of UEFA’s system for redistributing income from European competitions to benefit clubs that do not participate in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League, but actively develop youth football. The logic is clear: top European clubs, which generate millions in revenue for UEFA, help fund football development in countries that have not reached similar levels of success. The idea is genuinely sound and holds promise, but…
From the Ukrainian Premier League‘s letter to UEFA:
“Unfortunately, as of today, Ukrainian clubs have not received the stated payments. This is surprising and deeply concerning, considering the critical conditions Ukrainian football currently faces. We ask UEFA to urgently explain the reasons for the non-payment and to provide public information regarding the use of solidarity funds in 2023–2024.”
The Ukrainian Premier League and several clubs have officially confirmed: no funds have been received, despite similar transfers having been made to other countries.
What does the Ukrainian Premier League demand?
Clearly, the first question that needs to be answered is: why is this happening? And logically, the person who should give that answer is UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. But he has simply not commented on the situation – just as he has not explained why regular payments to Russian clubs continue.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian clubs are preparing joint appeals to UEFA demanding immediate payment, an explanation of why Russian clubs are being prioritised, and whether the delay is an attempt to pressure Ukraine into a more “soft” stance on allowing Russian clubs back into European competitions. The letter also includes a firm response to that:
“No, we will never agree to the participation of teams from the aggressor country in international tournaments.”
The Ukrainian public is demanding transparency and asking the question: whom does Čeferin really represent, and why is UEFA violating the principle of equality by withholding financial support from Ukrainian clubs amid a war?
By the way
What is the basis for Čeferin’s apparent sympathy towards Russian clubs?
UEFA President Čeferin has previously shown sympathy toward Russia. There were even rumors that the Kremlin supports him financially behind the scenes.
- For instance, in February 2023, UEFA announced its intention to reinstate Russian youth national teams (U17) in tournaments – despite the ongoing war. Čeferin emphasised that these are “children who are not participating in military actions.”
- At the UEFA Congress in Belgrade on April 3, 2025, Čeferin stated:
“I’ve said it many times regarding teams and national teams from Russia. I’ll repeat it again to avoid doubt: When the war stops, (Russia) will be readmitted.”
Russian officials, including the General Secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU), immediately supported the UEFA leader, confirming they remain in regular dialogue with UEFA. - Despite sanctions, the RFU (Russian Football Union) still formally remains a UEFA member and holds positions on key committees. Moreover, clubs from the aggressor state continue to hold their UEFA ranking positions, which could facilitate their return to competitions if a favourable decision is taken.
This opinion piece was written by Nikita Sborshchykov.
