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Uefa drags its heels over action against Russia’s fake Ukrainian clubs

The Guardian World Wednesday 27 May 2026, 19:00 UTC By Nick Ames, European sports correspondent 1 min read
Key Points

UEFA has failed to take action against the integration of clubs from illegally occupied parts of Ukraine into Russia's football system. Imitation versions of Ukrainian clubs, including Shakhtar and Zorya, are currently competing in Russia's fourth tier. The Ukrainian Association of Football urged UEFA to address this issue last year.

  • Imitation versions of Shakhtar and Zorya in Russia

  • Ukrainian FA urged Uefa to take action last year

Uefa is yet to take action against the integration of clubs from illegally occupied parts of Ukraine into Russia’s football system despite being urged to do so by the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) last year.

Imitation versions of Shakhtar Donetsk and Zorya Luhansk, two of the most successful clubs in Ukraine’s Premier League, have been competing in Russia’s fourth tier since its season began in March. They have joined the Crimea-based sides Rubin Yalta and FC Sevastopol in group 1 of the regionalised Football National League 2B, meaning a quarter of the teams in their division purport to represent areas of occupied Ukraine.

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Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

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