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Ukraine fans at Euro 2024: How will the war affect their tournament?

Ukraine fans at  Euro 2024 will know there are far more important things going on back home, amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.

They will be hoping that the team can be successful in the competition, which could help raise further awareness about the grim reality of the ongoing conflict.

The importance of the tournament to the Ukrainian players

The message from Ukrainian players and staff members ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 has been clear. Every victory and success at this summer’s competition is important in trying to boost morale in Ukraine but also to attract further attention to the conflict across the world.

Former striker and now president of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), Andriy Shevchenko, was asked about how the team can mentally prepare for the tournament.

He said: “It can prepare through strong motivation, a will to win and support from their fans in Ukraine and abroad. Every victory of our country, both on and off the pitch, is crucial for every Ukrainian and especially for those who defend our country right now. Players know that.”

Former Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko also spoke about the importance of the tournament for Ukraine following their play-off final victory against Iceland in March 2024.

He said. “All the world is going to watch this competition. It’s an unreal opportunity to show how good we are as a team and how good it is to be Ukrainian.”

Ukraine fans at Euro 2024 – Ticket details

A day after they beat Iceland in the play-off final to qualify for this summer’s competition, tickets became available to the country’s supporters. There will be at least 10,000 Ukraine fans at Euro 2024, as back in December 2023, UEFA announced that each nation participating in Euro 2024 would receive 10,000 tickets for their supporters.

For competing nations that asked for more than 10,000 tickets, the remaining seats were allocated through a lottery system. The UAF provided all the necessary information concerning tickets for Ukrainian fans at the competition here.

Ukraine continues to endure Russian bombing, leading to millions of displaced citizens.

The players and fans of the nation know that while football is insignificant to the plight, Euro 2024 is another chance to shine the spotlight on the country’s ongoing fight for freedom.