Two legionnaires left Kryvbas: the players refuse to return to Ukraine.

According to information from 'Glavkom', right-back Bandeira and attacking midfielder Hrvoje Ilić refused to return to the Kryvbas club in Kryvyi Rih, despite having active contracts with the team.

According to inkorr.com: Hrvoje Ilić, a Croatian footballer, was removed from the main team due to conflicts with the coach. He has repeatedly refused to play for the club and returned to his home country, effectively halting his career in the UPL.

In June, Bandeira contacted the club requesting help finding a new team, and by August he also left Ukraine. Currently, both athletes do not wish to return to Kryvbas and do not plan to continue their careers in Ukraine.

World Cup Qualifiers. Group D

In the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ukrainian national team drew with Azerbaijan, finishing the match with a score of 1:1.

The next match for the Ukrainian team will be on October 10 against Iceland. Earlier, Ukrainians suffered a defeat to France with a score of 0:2 in a qualifying match held in Poland.

During the game against France, Ukrainian fans supported their team by displaying a banner reading 'Fortress of Europe'.

Thus, right-back Bandeira and attacking midfielder Hrvoje Ilić decided not to return to the club 'Kryvbas'. Hrvoje Ilić was removed due to disputes with the coach, and Bandeira, who previously asked the club to find him a new team, also does not plan to return. At the same time, the Ukrainian national team drew with Azerbaijan in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with the next match against Iceland.

This situation with 'Kryvbas' players highlights the complexity of relationships between players and the coaching staff in professional football. At the same time, the Ukrainian team continues its struggle in the World Cup qualifiers, trying to earn the trust of fans in upcoming matches.