At the end of August, both the number and duration of air raid alerts increased significantly in many regions of Ukraine. This has a direct impact on the continuity of football matches in Ukraine and the organisation of television broadcasts. At the same time, it has raised questions regarding the decision-making procedure for matches that are interrupted by air raid alerts lasting for an extended period.

In general, all competition participants are guided by the Competition Regulations as well as a special regulatory document entitled “Additional Security Measures for the Organisation and Staging of Football Matches in Ukraine under Martial Law.”

The document stipulates that if an air raid alert lasts for more than 60 minutes, a meeting must be held involving the UAF Delegate, the referee, representatives of both teams and a representative of the relevant regional or city military administration, if present.

If two or more air raid alerts are declared with a combined duration of more than two hours, the UAF Delegate has the right, at the request of one of the teams participating in the match, to initiate such a meeting.

During the meeting, a decision is made regarding the further course of the match and is recorded in the relevant Decision Form.

The UPL Directorate subsequently decides on the venue, date and kick-off time for the match to be played or resumed.

The full version of “Additional Security Measures for the Organisation and Staging of Football Matches in Ukraine under Martial Law”, as well as other regulatory documents, is available on the UPL website in the Documents section.