Usyk became the first vice president of FC Polissya and announced reforms
Legendary Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has officially changed his role at the Zhytomyr-based Polissya Football Club.
From now on, the decorated world champion will serve as the club’s first vice president, as he announced on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Usyk signed the corresponding contract with the owner of the “Wolves,” Hennadiy Butkevych.
Previously, the athlete was a professional player on the team, but now he is transitioning to a management role, which will allow him to directly influence the strategic development of the club and Ukrainian sports as a whole.
“I am starting a new chapter—as the first vice president of the Polissya Football Club. For me, this is not just a position. It is an opportunity to influence, strengthen, and develop Ukrainian sports at an even higher level. I have always said: strength lies in discipline, honesty, and teamwork. These principles remain with me here as well,” emphasized Oleksandr Usyk.
The boxer named carrying out a large-scale refereeing reform in Ukraine as one of his top priorities in his new role.
In his view, transparency and fairness in refereeing must become the foundation for the further growth of domestic soccer.
The decision to reform the refereeing system was a logical follow-up to Usyk’s recent criticism of referees following the high-profile match between Polissya and Kyiv’s Dynamo.
At the time, the athlete emotionally stated that the current level of refereeing is “killing” teams that invest significant funds in their development.
The appointment took place the day after the spectacular “Rising Stars” boxing event, organized by Usyk’s promotional company in the suburbs of Kyiv.
The event on March 21 brought together many sports stars, including former world champion Anthony Joshua, who arrived in Ukraine as a guest of honor.
As a reminder, Oleksandr Khyzhniak made his professional boxing debut with a knockout victory.
Additionally, Wimbledon organizers are introducing a video review system and new scoreboards.
