The English Football Association FA invited more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and their host families to London’s Wembley Stadium for the duel in the European Championship qualifier between England and Ukraine on Sunday (6 p.m.).
The offer was made to people involved in the UK government’s Homes for Ukraine programme. This was launched last year in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Over the past year Britain has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine,” said Sport Minister Stuart Andrew. “We continue to do everything we can to support all those who have been displaced as a result of Putin’s illegal war.” There are around 117,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
In addition to the people invited by the program, 4,200 Ukrainian fans are expected at the sold-out Wembley Stadium for the start of the European Championship qualifier.