The CEO of Shakhtar Donetsk has addressed the directors of the Russian football clubs in an emotional message on Facebook. He calls on them to speak out against the war.
“I would like to address the owners, management and players of Russian football clubs,” wrote Sergei Palkin. “Russia is carrying out a terrible military attack on Ukraine, a country where you have always been welcomed with open arms. A country where you have family and friends, or were born yourself. That country is now being destroyed by the Russian army.”
“The whole world is looking to you to put an end to this madness, but it remains silent. You are afraid. In sports, fear makes sure you can never win. We cannot win like this against the bloody regime of your leaders. “
“Although you did not order the murder of Ukrainians, your silence is helping the mass destruction of our country. A youth coach has been killed by a Russian grenade. Stop this madness! Break the silence, or else this war is your personal responsibility. “
“A responsibility that future generations will remember, that you cannot erase from the history books. Each of you will be guilty of the crimes that Russia is now committing.”
