Butkevych: We need to open opportunities for our own graduates, not close the doors for legionnaires
Hennadiy Butkevych shared his thoughts on the limit on legionnaires in the Ukrainian championship.
Polissya President Hennadiy Butkevych commented on the UAF decision to liberalize the limit on legionnaires in the UPL, which allows clubs to field seven legionnaires and one player with an EU passport at the same time.
"I believe that Ukrainian football should develop through competition, not through restrictions. The limit does not educate footballers. Footballers are educated by academies, coaches, infrastructure, selection, and the correct club strategy. If the system works, Ukrainian players will grow regardless of how many legionnaires take the field. If the system doesn't work, no limit will fix it.
The strongest period of the Ukrainian championship coincided with the years when many quality legionnaires played in the UPL, alongside which our Ukrainian footballers progressed. It was then that our clubs regularly reached the playoffs of European competitions and demonstrated brilliant play.
I generally believe that it is time to change the philosophy of the issue of limits on legionnaires. For many years, we have been arguing about how many legionnaires clubs should be allowed. But the question should sound different: how to make more Ukrainian footballers not through regulations, but through their quality.
A strong Ukrainian does not need artificial protection. He wins the competition himself. And if we want to see more such players, we need to invest in academies and modern infrastructure. This is the real investment in the future of Ukrainian football.
We want to see a stronger championship and, accordingly, better results of Ukrainian clubs in European competitions. I am convinced that this can only be achieved through open competition, not through administrative restrictions.
In my opinion, the relevant football authorities should shift the focus from restrictions to creating development rules. A system is needed that will actually stimulate clubs to invest in their own youth.
For example, a requirement could be set for the mandatory presence of an academy, determine the minimum number of club graduates in the season squad, and introduce a rule that at least one homegrown player must regularly start in the lineup. This way, clubs get more freedom and can invite legionnaires, while Ukrainian footballers do not lose their chance, as the club is interested in promoting its own graduate to the first team.
Currently, Ukrainian footballers have significantly better job opportunities in EU countries and are no longer considered legionnaires in many championships. This opens up new prospects for our players, but at the same time creates the risk of young talents leaving. If a Ukrainian guy understands that there are almost no chances to break into the main team at home, he will choose an even less favorable contract abroad. Especially during the war.
Therefore, it is necessary not to close the doors to legionnaires, but to open up opportunities for homegrown players. Then clubs will be interested in developing academies, young footballers will see a real perspective in Ukraine, and the level of the championship will continue to grow thanks to fair competition," the club's press service quotes Butkevych.
