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.”
