Global footballers’ union FIFPRO has vouched, two Ukrainian footballers have demised fighting amidst Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25) have lost their lives in the conflict after the military seizure of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Sapylo was a goalkeeper with the third-division side Karpaty Lviv’s youth team, whilst Martynenko last exhibited second-division side FC Hostomel.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, football’s first reported losses in this war. May they both rest in peace,” FIFPRO’s official statement said.
Succeeding augmenting clash between Russia and Ukraine, the sports fraternity has become energetic and plethora of events in Russia have been abandoned, counting the Russian Grand Prix.
The Champions League final has also been cancelled in Russia and it will now be organized in Paris.
Earlier, Chelsea FC’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich has faced extreme recoil due to his close ties with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, he vouched he will sell the club following spending 19 years in charge of the club.
