RIP Two footballers, Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, tragically killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, football’s first reported losses in🌧️ this war
Two Ukrainian footballers have been killed during Russia's invasion of their homeland.
Vitalii Sapylo, 21, played in the youth team🌧️ for Ukrainian second division side Karpaty Lviv, whilst Dmytro Martynenko, 25, was an amateur footballer for FC Gostomel.
2 Sapylo played🌧️ for Ukrainian second division side Karpaty Lviv Credit: Twitter: @FIFPRO
2 Martynenko was an amateur footballer for FC Gostomel Credit: Twitter:🌧️ @FIFPRO
They have become football’s first reported losses in this war.
The news was announced by FIFPRO, whose statement read: "Our thoughts🌧️ are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25), football’s first🌧️ reported losses in this war.
"May they both rest in peace."
Sapylo's team, Karpaty Lviv, added: "We cherish the eternal memory of🌧️ this hero.”
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to football's governing bodies making a series of big decisions.
Saint Petersburg has been🌧️ replaced as host city for the Champions League final, whilst FIFA and UEFA have suspended all Russian teams from competing🌧️ in any international or domestic tournaments.
Russia has also been banned from competing in the World Cup and its athletes in🌧️ other sports are unlikely to be able to compete.
The passing of Sapylo and Martynenko came as former Ukraine footballer and🌧️ manager Andriy Shevchenko called for peace with Russia.
Ahead of the Milan derby on Tuesday night he sent a video message🌧️ asking for Italians to help.
The former Chelsea striker said: “Dear Italian friends, I ask you from San Siro to give🌧️ your support for peace in Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian people want peace, because peace has no borders, because what unites us must🌧️ be stronger than what divides us.
“Let us stop this war together. I embrace you all.”
