The International Union of Professional Footballers (Fifpro) announced Tuesday evening the death of two Ukrainian footballers in the war which affects Ukraine. Vitalii Sapylo, 21, and Dmytro Martynenko, 25. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, the first disappearances for football in this war,” Fifpro tweeted.
Only the younger of the two players died in battle. Sapylo was serving as a tank commander when he lost his life on February 25 defending Kiev and his post when two tanks reportedly broke down.
Dmytro Martynenko died in the bombing of his house. Voted best player in the 2nd Ukrainian division, the young man lost his life alongside his mother.