The appointment of the legendary footballer Andriy Shevchenko by the President of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) at the end of January 2024 was the beginning of not only a new era but also a high -profile investigation. Already in April, the preliminary audit results, which was conducted by Shevchenko by AC Crowe Ukraine, found an outflow of UAF assets worth more than UAH 1.3 billion. And the final report shocked even more: the losses exceeded UAH 1.7 billion.
The audit covered the period from 2015 to 2023 - the time when the organization was headed by Andrey Pavelko. The losses were structured by categories that cover not only classical "unjustified financial assistance", but also exotic purchases for millions.
The British Virgin Islands, through which UAF has received international funding since 1999, has become a "black hole". According to audit, in 2015–2016, the UAF did not reflect the receipt of € 12.6 million from UEFA. In addition, the funds of 11.4 million euros went to foreign companies not related to football. The suspicion of exgensk Yuri Zapisotsky and the ex -deputy of the Finn Department of Eugene Sagaydak are appeared in the case.
In 2015, the UAF had over UAH 284 million in bank accounts. However, some of the funds were lost through bankruptcy of Kievan Rus and Forum. Even more - UAH 315 million - disappeared due to a strange agreement with Radomyshl's beer.
In 2016, the UAF created the FFU Production for the production of artificial coverage. Purchases for hundreds of millions were carried out through one company from the UAE - SDT FZE. Pavelko and Zapisotsky were arrested as part of this investigation in 2022.
In 2017-2018, the UAF promoted the National Manufacturer of Coatings - FFU Production. As a result, the state received artificial grass at an inflated price. For 698 sites, the losses amounted to about 300 million UAH.
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1.3 billion UAH - for the salaries of UAF staff
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81 million UAH - bonuses and “stimulating payments”
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114 million UAH - maintenance of the UAF Marketing team
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36 million UAH - only two executives
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12.6 million UAH - unreasonable bonuses from 2020 to 2023
Additionally, payment for the services of FOPs - lawyers, security guards, ITS, carriers and even suppliers of souvenir and jewelry was recorded for the amount of more than UAH 200 million.
Auditors indicate 11 purchases through the Zakupivli.pro platform with signs of overestimation of value, in particular:
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1.5 million UAH overpayments - for the feasibility study and engineering surveys for the construction of sports base
From 2015 to 2023, the UAF received UAH 3.7 billion from FIFA, UEFA and other donors, but used only 3.44 billion in two programs, and the UAF management is suspected of appropriating funds.
The facts presented in the audit have already become a basis for several criminal proceedings. The UAF itself does not comment on the results, and the new management under the chairmanship of Shevchenko - prepares the final version of the report for the transfer to NABU and DBR.
Ukrainian football, as it turned out, is not only about the game - but also about money. Very big money.
