Legendary Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has supported the decision of the European Football Union (UEFA) to retain the complete exclusion of teams from Russia from international tournaments. The former Dynamo Kyiv and Milan player called it an important step in the fight against aggressors, which simply enraged Russian citizens.

"I welcome UEFA's decision not to consider the admission of Russian U-17 football teams to international tournaments. The age category is irrelevant in the matter of global justice. This is a small but important step. I thank everyone involved in the negotiations. We continue to defend Ukraine's interests in the international arena," Shevchenko wrote on his Facebook page.

Readers of the Sports.ru portal reacted angrily to Andrey's statement. They began to openly insult our compatriot, repeating Kremlin propaganda about the politicization of sports and the impossibility of the so-called collective responsibility of Russians for the invasion of Ukraine.

"To be fair, no one owes you anything, and you are still begging", "He can't speak otherwise, he's too high up", "Shevchenko is the same! He talks about some kind of collective responsibility in relation to Russian athletes", "Is this what they are counting on? How will they justify themselves when we get to Kyiv?" Z-patriots write.

Earlier, the media published new details of UEFA's decision to refuse to return Russian youth national teams to their competitions.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Honored Coach of Russia Valery Nepomnyashchy proposed to organize an alternative Champions League in Russia.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!