The Estonian Football Association (EJL) has issued a press release restating its position on Russia’s war in Ukraine, emphasising full support for Ukraine and opposition to Russian aggression. The move comes in the wake of recent comments by EJL president Aivar Pohlak, which caused confusion and sparked backlash among fans, sponsors, and the wider football community.
EJL highlighted its actions since February 2022, including raising more than €60,000 together with clubs and supporters, waiving licence fees for young Ukrainian players in Estonia, and hosting Ukrainian teams. The association also noted its role in voting against making Russian an official FIFA language and its inclusion by the Estonian Defence Forces on a list of employers supporting national defence.
As part of its statement, EJL revealed details it had sought from UEFA on financial flows during wartime. UEFA confirmed that Russian clubs and the national team have not received competition prize money since 2022, while Ukrainian clubs and the federation have received nearly €158 million in the same period. Ukrainian clubs also received €17m in solidarity payments, compared to €10.8m for Russian clubs.
The federation acknowledged that a recent television interview had “caused questions and confusion,” apologising for the mixed messaging during a meeting with main sponsor LHV. “Our message is clear: for Estonia, with Ukraine, and against Russian aggression,” the statement concluded.
The clarification follows a wider debate about Pohlak’s leadership. Baltic Football News recently published an opinion piece examining how his remarks on Russia and UEFA funding clashed with Estonia’s broader moral and political stance, and how this has shaped the country’s football landscape.
Source: https://jalgpall.ee/ejl/uudised/eesti-jalgpalli-liit-seisab-eesti-eest-ukraina-poolt-ja-venemaa-n25191?siteacc=ejl
