03 June 2026
(PHOTO: FC Chornomorets)
The football field became a place not only of play, but also of remembrance, where applause was heard for those who would not return to the stands. In Odesa, FC Chornomorets and the Tribune of Heroes Foundation held a special match in honor of the club's fans who died defending Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of the Chornomorets football club.
According to the organizers, during their lifetime they supported the team from the stands, experienced victories and defeats together with the club. After the outbreak of war, many of them changed their fan scarves for military uniforms and stood up to defend the state.
During the event, the football community honored the memory of the fallen fans, whose names are now forever inscribed in the history of Chornomorets and remain in the hearts of the fans.
The families of the fallen defenders were invited to the match. According to the club, such events are not only a sign of honor for the families, but also a reminder that the feat of their loved ones is remembered and appreciated.
A particularly emotional moment was the symbolic first kick of the ball, which was performed by the sons of the fallen fan Konstantin Volkov ("Kot").
A memorial match is a special moment when the football community honors its own. Those who have been part of the tribune and will forever remain part of it," the organizers emphasized.
Also recently, Odesa-based FCChornomorets defeated Kharkiv-based Metalist at its own stadium and returned to the Premier League.
After 29 rounds of the First League, the team was in second place in the standings. Chornomorets left the National Cup at the 1/16 finals stage after losing to amateur Agrotech in a penalty shootout.
The match took place on June 1 and ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the Sailors.
In March, Odesa-based football club Chornomorets celebrated its 90th anniversary. Today, the club is actively developing its own academy, which employs more than 20 coaches.
The club manager recalled the rich history of the "sailors", for whom famous footballers played in different years and titled coaches worked. Among them are Vitalii Porkuyan, Ihor Belanov, Yurii Tsymbalar, and mentors such as Semen Altman and Roman Hryhorchuk. The club is the first winner of the Ukrainian Cup and a multiple winner of the national championship.
Анна Бальчінос