In a recent discussion, former Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky shared his views on the future of Ukrainian football. He advocated for allowing more Ukrainian footballers to play abroad, stressing that this could significantly improve the national team's performance on the international stage.

The International Experience: A Game-Changer for Ukrainian Football

Stakhovsky emphasized the importance of international exposure for Ukrainian players. "When our national team competes and wins, like when they beat Iceland at the Euros, it fills us with pride. To sustain and improve this level, we need our players to compete in foreign leagues. The more they play abroad, the better they become," Stakhovsky remarked. He believes that the experience gained overseas is instrumental in enhancing the skill set of the players, which in turn benefits the national team.

A New Business Model for Ukrainian Clubs

The ex-tennis star also highlighted the commercial aspect of the sport, suggesting that Ukrainian clubs could adopt a business model focused on developing and selling players. "If clubs see their players succeeding in Europe, they'll understand that this is a viable business model. It's all commercial, but it also leads to higher quality football in Ukraine," Stakhovsky pointed out. This approach, according to him, would encourage local clubs to invest more in player development, creating a positive cycle of improvement.

The Ripple Effect of Quality Performance

Stakhovsky's comments suggest a ripple effect, where the success of Ukrainian footballers abroad could lead to enhanced training methods and stronger domestic leagues. As Ukrainian players make a mark internationally, it could also attract more attention and resources to the sport within the country, potentially leading to a golden era for Ukrainian football.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk