MOSCOW, June 24 Ukrainian football club «Khust» from of the same name in the Transcarpathian region will move to Ternopil and unite with the local amateur team FAT-Podolyany in the hope of avoiding total mobilization, Khust president Mykhailo Madyarchik told the Ukrainian Football portal.
In May, military commissariat representatives mobilized one of the main players of «Khust» Mykola Sirash right at the train station. Later, the operational command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine «Zapad» stated that it considered it strange to put the interests of the football club above the interests of the armed forces, adding that the process of booking and receiving a deferment from mobilization is strictly regulated.
«Yes, this is true, but we have not yet officially formalized this entire procedure. So let's not rush. Such a step as unification is forced. Now, in the conditions of war, «Khust» does not have the opportunity to invite players. And it's not about finances,» «Ukrainian Football» quotes Madyarchik as saying.
«The club cannot provide the players with security guarantees or receive a reservation from the army. Therefore, it is very difficult to form a team. The players do not want to go to Zakarpattia, because this is the region we have. It is borderline and too active. Here, the TCC workers rake in everyone. They do not care who you are: a football player or an ordinary citizen,» he added.
Martial law has been in effect in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. The next day, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine during the period of martial law. Evasion of military service during mobilization is a criminal offense in the country, which carries a punishment of up to five years in prison. The summons can be handed to you in different places. Videos have appeared of this being done on the streets, at gas stations, and in cafes. It does not necessarily have to be handed over by a representative of the military registration and enlistment office; this can also be done by the heads of the enterprise where the conscript works, the heads of the housing office, representatives of the house committee and other officials.