Tsygankov refused to come on as a substitute in the match against Girona
Viktor Tsygankov found himself in the spotlight after Girona’s first match of the 2026–27 Segunda Division season. The Ukrainian was named to the roster for the game against Leganés, but, according to the head coach, refused to take the field after being called in as a substitute. The coach stated that he could not recall such behavior from a professional soccer player.
Girona kicked off the new season—following their relegation from La Liga—with a match against Leganés. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. The 28-year-old Viktor Tsygankov was also named to the Catalan team’s roster. The Ukrainian winger remained on the bench, but during the match, the coach decided to send him onto the field.
However, according to Quique Álvarez, the player refused to come on as a substitute. “He was fine; he was called onto the field, but he didn’t want to change into his uniform to enter the game. After the match, he stayed in the stands. I don’t recall a professional player ever behaving this way,” said the head coach of Girona.
The information about the situation was reported by COPE journalist Arnau Pou, who quoted the Catalan team’s coach. The reasons behind Tsygankov’s decision not to take the field have not yet been officially disclosed. Therefore, the claim of intentional “sabotage” is an assessment of the situation, not an established fact.
None of Girona’s Ukrainian players took the field in the match
In addition to Tsygankov, two other Ukrainians were named to Girona’s roster for the match—goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapivtsov and forward Vladyslav Vanat. However, they also did not take the field. In the end, Girona finished the match against Leganés in a 1–1 draw. For the Catalan club, this season marks its first since being relegated from Spain’s top division. The team is now competing in La Segunda and is trying to return to La Liga.
Tsygankov Wants to Leave the Club
The substitution came amid rumors about Tsygankov’s future at Girona. According to Spanish and other European media reports, the Ukrainian wants to leave the Catalan club following its relegation from La Liga. At the same time, Girona has no intention of letting the player go without compensation.
Tsygankov’s contract with the club runs through the end of June 2027. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is approximately 15 million euros. Earlier reports indicated interest in the Ukrainian player from Spain’s Valencia. There have also been reports of a possible transfer of Tsygankov to Turkey’s Trabzonspor. For now, the player remains with Girona. At the same time, his refusal to take the field could draw even more attention to the situation surrounding the Ukrainian’s future at the Catalan club. This was reported by renowned COPE journalist Arnau Pou.
As a reminder, on August 11, Elina Svitolina defeated Russia’s Katerina Aleksandrova in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto and advanced to the semifinals. The Ukrainian lost the first set but staged a comeback to win the match in three sets—3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
Prior to that, Ukraine’s top-ranked player, Elina Svitolina, secured a victory in the round of 16 at the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament being held in Toronto.
