Alexander Kadenko: We were able to unite and hold a historic championship in war conditions

President of the Professional Football League of Ukraine Oleksandr Kadenko shared his impressions of the last season with the Ukraine Football program and also spoke about plans for the future.

– It is clear that the very important issue at the beginning of the season was the start of the season itself in the conditions of war …

“I want to thank everyone involved for the fact that we managed to hold the championship during the war. At first, we didn’t even know if we would be able to complete the competition that had begun. Thanks to the clubs, players, club employees, as well as the relevant ministry and the UAF. We were able to unite and hold a historic championship in a war.

As for the format, in the current economic situation, it was worth adjusting the number of games in order to reduce the financial burden on the clubs. I believe that the format was interesting, because almost every match was intriguing. Only two rounds before the end in the Elimination Group, we learned the teams that will play in the transitional matches, as well as the team that dropped in the class. The tournament in the Second League was also interesting.

– In the Elimination Group, the winner was determined only in the last round, and in the Second League, in the last round, the team that will take second place was determined. So we can say that the format justified itself ….

– In my opinion, the audience should have enjoyed interesting and intense competitions and at least a little distraction from the war.

– The PFL has come a long way this year. It was possible to create the only YouTube pool, where the matches of the First and Second Leagues were broadcast, to attract a powerful sponsor. What have you forgotten about the positive moments of this season?

– Our main achievement is that we managed to hold the championship and go the whole distance with dignity with the clubs. I think there were a lot of good things. It is worth noting the high-quality broadcasts on the official PFL YouTube channel. The clubs have already discussed a new proposal from our partner Select for the official ball of the competition and agreed to continue cooperation next season.

I would like to thank the UAF for helping with paying for the arbitration. The clubs received a substantial sum of money as part of UEFA solidarity. I hope that our cooperation will continue. It is important that a number of clubs supported their children’s teams, their coaches and pupils.

– What formats of competitions does the PFL offer next season?

— At the PFL conference on June 21, the clubs will assess our work and sum up the results. As for the next season, four teams that have suspended participation in the competition should return to the First League. We sent the clubs for consideration a draft of the championship with two groups of ten clubs each. Thus, we increase the number of teams to 20.

We propose to increase the number of teams that will leave the division at the end of the next season. We should in one or two seasons come to the classic championship format in the Second League, in which 16 teams will play.

– The Second League will not be able to play in 16 teams next season?

– I think not yet. Now we see that there may be 13-14 teams in the Second League next season. I am sure that Druzhba, Skala and Lokomotiv will pass certification and join the PFL family. These clubs have no particular problems with the infrastructure. Trostyanets also returns to the Second League. Thank God this club is now recovering its existence.

– How long will the pause last before the resumption of the competition?

– We plan to start the new season in the First League on July 29-30, and in the Second League on August 5-6. I hope that everything will work out for us. This discrepancy at the beginning is due to the number of rounds in each of the leagues. In mid-November, the 2023 football year should end. And at the beginning of next summer – both championships and play-offs.

– What will happen to those clubs that will not return to the PFL after a year’s pause? Are their seats still booked?

“We gave the clubs the opportunity to keep their existence during the war. I believe that this decision has benefited our football. I think that we can offer for another year to extend the reservation of seats to those clubs that this year will not return. However, with the possibility of a return only in Second League competitions. But this decision must be approved by the PFL Conference.

– Can you provide information on the number of sirens that interrupted matches this season? To what extent have you managed to adapt to the current realities?

– We did not have the task of counting the number of sirens, but there were enough of them. I am grateful to the clubs that played matches in accordance with additional safety standards. The main thing is that there were no casualties.

– What is your attitude to the return of spectators to the stands? During the war, is it necessary, or is this issue not worth raising yet?

– Of course, the audience should be at the stadium, but now we are not even talking about the norm of 50% filling the stands. In my opinion, spectators can be in the stands, but in the amount for which the stadium has shelter. It is important that people are safe. We must think things through and make the right decision.

– Which match, in your opinion, was the highlight of the completed season?

– I think that all matches are the decoration of the season. We were able to hold a unique championship. In each match, the intrigue kept to the last. In the Second League in the last round, four teams claimed second place. This speaks volumes.

– Will the practice of using the VAR system for First League matches continue?

– At the end of the season, we met with those clubs that applied for the VAR system at their matches. Our last rounds were also played on weekdays, because the VAR system is also used at UPL matches. I hope that we will continue this practice in the future. I believe that this reduces the number of errors of arbitrators. A lot depends on the format of the next championship.

I want to thank our defenders and defenders who give us the opportunity to do what we love. Thanks to the presidents who support their clubs and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.