Ukraine to boycott Russia water polo match, risks disqualification

Oleksandr Diadiura, former Ukrainian water polo team captain, now a representative of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation, has said that the national team will definitely not play against Russia in the World Cup. Speaking to Ukrainska Pravda, Diadiura said the federation could face punishment for the decision.

Source: Diadiura in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "We don't know what the consequences will be if we don't show up. We definitely won't play the match, but we are now working with the international federation to avoid disqualification from future competitions, including youth tournaments, so that children can continue to compete.

We are trying to ensure that our actions regarding today's match are not punished, although the competition regulations do not allow this – a team failing to appear. For that, we are supposed to be penalised."

Details: Diadiura noted there is a range of possible penalties, from the team's disqualification to a suspension of the federation for one or two years, with a decision likely later in the day.

According to Diadiura, the decision not to play in the event of a match with Russia was made immediately.

The international federation has already responded that the match will go ahead as planned, with referees appointed and no cancellation envisaged. In reply, the Ukrainian side reiterated its position.

"We will not play. This goes against the principles of our country," he said.

Diadiura also expressed doubt that sanctions could be avoided, noting that the federation had allowed the fixture to be scheduled.

"I doubt it… I think we will be punished. We'll see – we hope for common sense," he added.

At the Water Polo World Cup in Malta, Ukraine and Russia were scheduled to play for seventh place.

The match is set for today, with kick-off at 16:00 Kyiv time.

Background:

• Last year, the World Aquatics international federation allowed Russian and Belarusian water polo players to return to international competitions in a neutral status from 1 January 2026.
• The last time Ukraine and Russia faced each other in a team sport was at the UEFA Futsal Euro 2022 on 4 February, when Ukraine narrowly lost 2:3.

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