Shakhtar and two other clubs for: insider reveals details of the plan to reduce the UPL and the role of the UAF

The abbreviation of the UPL to 12 clubs has become the main topic of backstage discussions. Renowned journalist Igor Burbas talked about the position of Shakhtar, Polissya, and LNZ, as well as the involvement of the UAF.

What awaits the UPL?

Journalist and insider Igor Burbas, on his YouTube channel "BurBuzz", stated that the project to reduce the UPL to 12 teams will be put to a vote by the clubs, but only the top clubs led by Shakhtar support the initiative, while the majority will be against it.

The insider is convinced that the clubs will fail to pass the vote on their own, so legally, only the UAF can reduce the league by a top-down decision.

Important! The Ukrainian Premier League has officially returned to the format with 16 clubs for the 2021/2022 season. Prior to this, the competition was held with 12 and 14 teams.

Who supports the reduction of the UPL?

According to the insider, Cherkasy LNZ sees the reform as an opportunity to raise the level of the tournament, while Zhytomyr Polissya may unexpectedly change its position following the decisions of President Hennadiy Butkevych. The rest of the elite division clubs will vote against the reduction.

"Who is in favor of 12 clubs? In fact, there are very few. Shakhtar, definitely. As far as I know, LNZ is ready to support this project, but considering it from the perspective that our championship will become stronger as a result. About Polissya: I won't be surprised if it's entirely possible for Zhytomyr to change their mind."

Why is this a failed project?

The journalist noted that mid-table and outsider teams in the Ukrainian championship will not consciously jeopardize their place in the elite, so the democratic way of resolving the issue is blocked.

"Therefore, it may come down to the fact that our big clubs will be against the small ones, that is, for and against the reduction. And of course, these clubs, although small, are in the majority and they, of course, will prevail. So, if this issue is put to a vote in the UPL, it will definitely be a failure."

Burbas also pointed out that currently, only the UAF can make a decision regarding changes in the regulations regarding the number of participants in the UPL.

"Simply put, the UPL clubs will not vote. No one will want to risk their place in the UPL. Therefore, the decision, as an option, may be made and imposed only from the top. And only one body can adopt it, as we understand, only one body has the right. That is the UAF. Only it has the legal right."