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In a major boost to Ukraine, which is facing Russian occupation currently, the nation's football league — called the Ukrainian Premier League — is set to return to action in the war-torn nation for the 2022-23 season, albeit with many changes to help protect the players and the coaching and management staff of the teams.
The season is slated to start on Tuesday, August 23, with Shakhtar Donetsk set to play the opening match of the new season against Metalist 1925 at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex. The matches will take place on grounds that have air raid shelters. All matches will be played behind closed doors with anti-missile systems put on alert.
Players are also preparing to head 'underground' if need be.
Back in February, the country shut down all its professional leagues after Ukraine was invaded by Russia, keeping in mind that no competitive football was being played in the country since mid-December.
Ahead of the landmark fixture, Shakhtar captain Taras Stepanenko has told The Associated Press about the player's choice to return to the field, "We have rules in case of an alarm and we should go to be underground. But I think the teams and the players will be proud of this event. We are ready, we are strong and I think we will show to all the world Ukrainian life and will to win."
The matches will be held behind closed doors, as no fans will be in attendance. All games will be played in and around Kyiv or further west of the capital, with recent outings in European competitions completed at venues in neighbouring Poland and Slovakia and over in Sweden.
The Ukrainian league will start with 16 teams in the mix, with Desna Chernihiv and Mariupol forced to miss the tournament because of the devastation suffered in their respective cities. The first game will take place at the 65,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, with players set to be rushed to bomb shelters if air-raids sirens sound.
