Bayer striker refused to join the Ukraine national team: details of the scandal.

The curator of Ukraine's youth national teams, Unai Melgosa, spoke about the decision of Bayer forward Artem Stepanov to refuse to attend the U-20 youth team gathering. Melgosa noted that Artem may be called up to the Ukraine national team in the future, as he holds Ukrainian citizenship. The curator also emphasized that they will continue to monitor the player's development. Stepanov previously played for Ukraine's U-16, U-17, and U-19 teams, and has also played two matches for Bayer's first team this season. In the youth team, he scored 17 goals and provided three assists.

The president of the Volleyball Federation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Melnyk, reacted to Oleg Plotnytskyi's decision to end his career with the national team. Melnyk noted that he was prepared for such a decision from the player, but it is his own choice and he respects it.