RIP Two footballers, Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, tragically killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, football’s first reported losses in 7️⃣ this war
Two Ukrainian footballers have been killed during Russia's invasion of their homeland.
Vitalii Sapylo, 21, played in the youth team 7️⃣ for Ukrainian second division side Karpaty Lviv, whilst Dmytro Martynenko, 25, was an amateur footballer for FC Gostomel.
2 Sapylo played 7️⃣ for Ukrainian second division side Karpaty Lviv Credit: Twitter: @FIFPRO
2 Martynenko was an amateur footballer for FC Gostomel Credit: Twitter: 7️⃣ @FIFPRO
They have become football’s first reported losses in this war.
The news was announced by FIFPRO, whose statement read: "Our thoughts 7️⃣ are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25), football’s first 7️⃣ reported losses in this war.
"May they both rest in peace."
Sapylo's team, Karpaty Lviv, added: "We cherish the eternal memory of 7️⃣ this hero.”
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to football's governing bodies making a series of big decisions.
Saint Petersburg has been 7️⃣ replaced as host city for the Champions League final, whilst FIFA and UEFA have suspended all Russian teams from competing 7️⃣ in any international or domestic tournaments.
Russia has also been banned from competing in the World Cup and its athletes in 7️⃣ other sports are unlikely to be able to compete.
The passing of Sapylo and Martynenko came as former Ukraine footballer and 7️⃣ manager Andriy Shevchenko called for peace with Russia.
Ahead of the Milan derby on Tuesday night he sent a video message 7️⃣ asking for Italians to help.
The former Chelsea striker said: “Dear Italian friends, I ask you from San Siro to give 7️⃣ your support for peace in Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian people want peace, because peace has no borders, because what unites us must 7️⃣ be stronger than what divides us.
“Let us stop this war together. I embrace you all.”
