On September 5, fighters of the 12th Azov Brigade - including those who had been released from captivity, as well as those currently undergoing rehabilitation after injuries - attended the Ukraine vs France match as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The game took place in Wrocław, Poland, at Tarczyński Arena Wrocław.
This trip was made possible thanks to the Ukrainian Association of Football and the UAF Charitable Foundation, which provided organizational and financial support so that Ukraine’s defenders could experience the atmosphere of top-level sport and a sense of unity with the nation.
Among the guests were Azov fighters known for their strong fan backgrounds and deep passion for football.
One of them was Mykhailo Chaplia, call sign “Yuzhnyi,” originally from Kharkiv, an Azov officer, defender of Mariupol and Azovstal. Following an order from the country’s senior military and political leadership, he surrendered into captivity, where he spent more than two years. Most of this time he was held in Taganrog, where he endured torture and inhumane treatment. What helped him survive was discipline, daily training, and humor - a way to resist being broken. After his release in September 2024, he has been undergoing rehabilitation and actively participating in veteran initiatives.
In his address to the players, coaching staff, and UAF President Andriy Shevchenko, Yuzhnyi said:
“We have always come together to support our national team. Even though I am a dedicated Metalist supporter, Andriy Shevchenko is a legend to me. When he played, I supported Dynamo Kyiv. And AC Milan - just like the whole country did. That’s what unites us. Thank you all, thank you each and every one of you. Life goes on, and we do not stop.”
During a meeting at the national team’s camp, Azov servicemen spoke with Andriy Shevchenko and head coach Serhii Rebrov, while the players signed souvenirs for them as keepsakes.
“This is the best motivation for the players today - to feel that involvement and unity means all of us. We are one nation, one country. Guys, a huge thank you for what you do! For the players, this will be the strongest motivation today: to go out as a united front, as one country, as one family, and to give everything. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine!” said Andriy Shevchenko.
“As a team, we all support you - those who defend our independence. Your presence here means a lot to the players and gives them a powerful boost before the game. I’m sure that when you are in the stadium, the players will feel that support,” said Serhii Rebrov.
Благодійна організація “Благодійний фонд “Фундація УАФ” є неприбутковою, недержавною організацією, засновником якою виступає Громадська Спілка “Українська Асоціація Футболу”
Політика конфіденційності
