UEFA Transfers €10.8M Solidarity Funds to Russian Clubs, Ukrainian Teams Withheld

Despite the ban on Russian football clubs from European competitions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UEFA has paid over €10.8 million in solidarity payments to Russian clubs across several seasons. These payments, intended to support clubs that do not qualify for European tournaments, have drawn criticism because five Ukrainian clubs, located in areas affected by the conflict, have not received similar funds due to alleged restrictions imposed by a Swiss bank linked to their geographic location in a 'combat zone.' The Ukrainian clubs, including Chornomorets, Real Pharma, Metalurh, Phoenix-Mariupol, and Metalist 1925, have formally complained to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, describing the payment withholding as unjust and lacking legal explanation, especially given the ongoing military aggression across all of Ukraine. UEFA has yet to provide an official response on the matter, while Ukrainian officials also raised concerns about Russian clubs receiving UEFA ranking points despite their disqualification. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around fairness and financial support amid the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine in football governance.