Defiant Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov insists he stands by every word after he was fined for vowing to take up arms in his country’s war with Russia.
The veteran boss was hit in the pocket as he prepared his side for their crucial Nations League clash with Scotland at Hampden. Russia football chiefs - who were booted out of EURO 2024 yesterday - had wanted Petrakov banned and accused him of breaking the governing body’s code of conduct by discriminating against them and failing to remain politically neutral.
But Ukrainian chiefs - who stumped up on behalf of their manager - accused the Russians of trying to sabotage their preparations for Hampden. Passionate Petrakov, 65, revealed he’d been turned down by the Ukraine army in the build-up to his country’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland in June. That came after he had vowed to “pick up a weapon and defend my city” if Russia invaded Kiev back in April.
And speaking at Hampden last night he said: “I will say again what I said before. This is clearly the Russian Football Federation and their legal team, whatever they are doing is their business. I will say again - I’m standing by my words.
“I have no idea about the amount of money (for the fine). I was told by the Ukrainian Football Association president about what happened at UEFA. I have no other knowledge about the size or nature of that fine. It’s okay.”
Ukraine football chiefs accused the Russians of attempting to distract their preparations for the crunch clash at Hampden.
Ukrainian FA boss, Andriy Pavelko, said: “Of course, there is no ban and could not have been. There was a warning and a minor fine that the Ukrainian Football Association had the honour of paying.
“So in vain the Russian are trying now - on the eve of an important match for the Ukrainian national team - to distract our preparations. Everyone is as focused as possible on this and preparing to support our boys.
“At the same time, the Russian have nothing to prepare for. As demanded, Russia will not be in the Euro 2024 qualifying draw in Frankfurt, Germany on October 9 and until at least 2024 will not be in official international football competitions. Euro 2024 will pass without an aggressor country! Glory to Ukraine!”
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