Two Ukrainian club staff go missing after Champions League trip
Two members of Kryvbas, a women’s football club from Ukraine, did not return home after a Champions League match in Europe. The incident was first reported by REN TV. The responsible parties are identified as a social media manager and the club photographer. They remained abroad after the team concluded its travel to Europe as part of preparations for upcoming Women’s Champions League fixtures. The SMM specialist, named Roman Lopatin, and the photographer, Roman Medvedev, left Kryvbas’ location without obtaining official permission and moved in an unknown direction. Authorities have been informed through the police, border services, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Sports, who are coordinating the ongoing investigation and monitoring the follow-up actions.
This development follows a pattern seen in Ukrainian football where departures or actions by players and staff have drawn public and media scrutiny. Earlier, a midfielder from Shakhtar, Alexander Rasputko, left the team amid controversy surrounding his pro-Russian views. Rasputko did not return to his home city after a UEFA Youth League game against Antwerp, and sources including the Brutal Football Telegram channel indicated he had fled to Russia and sought political asylum. The incident was widely discussed in football circles and drew attention to concerns about loyalty, safety, and the shared responsibilities of clubs and players when political tensions intersect with sport.
In response to these events, Shakhtar officials issued statements referring to a runaway football player and stressing the need for clear discipline and contractual compliance. The broader football community in Ukraine has monitored similar cases with careful attention to how clubs manage personnel movements during international competitions. The evolving situation highlights the delicate balance clubs must maintain between safeguarding team operations on the road, honoring players’ rights, and ensuring adherence to league regulations and national policies. The Ukrainian sports authorities continue to review security protocols at international events and to consider measures that could reduce the risk of unauthorized departures while preserving the athletes’ safety and welfare.