Gazizov comments on Zinchenko’s Ufa graffiti, saying it was created by fans and should be left to their decision on what happens next.
The city of Ufa, capital of Bashkortostan, recently became the backdrop for a mural featuring Alexander Zinchenko, the former player who once wore the colors of the Ukrainian national team. The artwork also includes the faces of Shamil Gazizov, the club’s General Director, and other notable football figures associated with the club, such as Sergey Semak and Viktor Goncharenko, along with players Alexander Belenov and Igor Diveev. Gazizov stressed that the fans initiated the graffiti and that the club did not commission it. He emphasized that the fans should determine the artwork’s fate, and he chose not to weigh in on Zinchenko’s statements about his career in Russia. The comment was relayed by a sports news outlet. (Source: local coverage)
Zinchenko, who played in Ufa during 2015–2016 before moving to Manchester City, expressed gratitude for the welcome he received in Ufa but signaled a desire to avoid further discussion about Russia or that period of his career. This sentiment framed Gazizov’s response, reinforcing the idea that the expression belongs to supporters and the community of fans who created it. (Reported coverage)
In another development connected to community outreach, Gazizov participated in a program presented by Gazprombank titled “Football Lesson in Ufa” as part of the Football at School initiative. Ambassadors representing the Russian Football Union visited Bashkortostan to engage with young players, delivering football lessons to students across the region. The roster included former Russian national team players and notable figures from other football disciplines, who joined alongside local coaches and mentors. Their visit aimed to inspire more than 600 students across 77 participating schools within Bashkortostan that support the project. The event featured interactive training sessions led by the ambassadors, followed by opportunities for attendees to obtain autographs and photographs with the guest figures after the sessions.
The Football at School program has a broader footprint, with the participation of 2,150 schools from 48 regions across the country. Every participating school receives a football-themed physical education lesson plan and a complete set of equipment to establish or enhance youth football activities within their institutions. This nationwide effort underscores a continuing emphasis on grassroots development and youth engagement in the sport.
In related statements, Gazizov has expressed support for neutral status in international competitions, reiterating the importance of victory for Russian teams while maintaining a neutral stance on broader geopolitical considerations. The ongoing dialogue around the role of club leadership, civic expression, and youth development continues to shape how the football community in Ufa and Bashkortostan approaches cultural projects and athletic outreach alike.