Ukrainian football star apologizes for playing padel with Russian

Ukrainian football figure Serhiy Rebrov has issued an apology following public backlash over a video showing him playing padel with a Russian former player, V. Berezutski. The footage, which circulated widely in Ukraine, sparked outrage among many Ukrainians who questioned Rebrov's actions.

Rebrov, who is the vice president of the Ukrainian Football Association and previously coached the Ukrainian national team, explained that he was unaware of Berezutski's recent coaching position in Russia. "I know that V. Berezutski is against the war, but I did not know that he recently started working as a coach in Russia," Rebrov stated in his apology. He added, "I do not follow football news in the terrorist state. As a public figure, I want to apologize to all Ukrainians whom I have offended by my actions and ask not to doubt my pro-Ukrainian stance."

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I know that V. Berezutski is against the war, but I did not know that he recently started working as a coach in Russia.

Berezutski, a former Russian national team player, had publicly denounced the war in a social media post in 2022. However, he was subsequently dismissed from his coaching role at CSKA Moscow and moved to Spain. He reportedly returned to Russia last year to coach the team "Ural."

Rebrov became the coach of the Ukrainian national team in 2023 but stepped down this year after failing to qualify for the World Cup. His current role as vice president of the Ukrainian Football Association places him in a prominent public position, making his interactions with Russian figures particularly sensitive amid the ongoing conflict.

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I do not follow football news in the terrorist state. As a public figure, I want to apologize to all Ukrainians whom I have offended by my actions and ask not to doubt my pro-Ukrainian stance.