The Ukrainian soccer federation has brought attention to the ongoing conflict in their country by unveiling an installation in Munich featuring a stadium stand destroyed in the war. The stand, originally from Kharkiv’s Sonyachny stadium built for Euro 2012, was displayed in a square in Munich ahead of Ukraine's first match at the European Championship against Romania.
The installation serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of the war, with the stand symbolizing the 500 sports infrastructure facilities in Ukraine that have suffered damage from Russian bombings and missile strikes. Former Ukraine coach and striker Andriy Shevchenko, who now serves as the president of the country’s soccer federation, emphasized the significance of the moment, stating, “We play today for the country. We play today for the people who defend our lives and our country.”
