Uefa has paid more than €10.8m (£9.4m) in solidarity funds to Russian football clubs since they were banned from European competitions following the invasion of Ukraine, the Guardian can reveal. The payments were made despite five Ukrainian clubs failing to receive similar funds, allegedly because they are located in a 'zone of military operations'.
Solidarity payments are typically given to clubs that do not qualify for European competitions, aiming to maintain competitive balance. Russian clubs and the national team have been banned from international tournaments since February 2022. However, Uefa paid €3,305,000 to the Russian Football Union in 2022-23, €3,381,000 in 2023-24, and €4,224,000 for 2024-25, plus €6,209,000 in 2021-22, according to Uefa circulars. The union is required to pass the money to clubs.
In contrast, five Ukrainian clubs—Chornomorets and Real Pharma (Odesa), IFC Metalurg (Zaporizhzhia), FSC Phoenix Mariupol, and FC Metalist 1925 (Kharkiv)—wrote to Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin on 27 July, complaining that their solidarity payments for 2023-24 and 2024-25 were withheld. They cited 'unclear requirements' from a Swiss bank regarding their location in a 'war zone', which they argued does not reflect reality as the whole of Ukraine is under Russian aggression.
The clubs' directors highlighted that many fans have died fighting, and financial support is crucial. Uefa initially promised a statement but did not provide one. The revelation raises concerns about Uefa's stance on Russia, which retains its Uefa presence as the Russian Football Union has not been suspended. Notably, Polina Yumasheva, former wife of oligarch Oleg Deripaska, sits on Uefa's governance and compliance committee.
