Petrakov takes charge at Ukraine's national football team

"Oleksandr Petrakov, the 2019 world champion with the U20 team, will prepare the national team for 2022 World Cup qualifiers as an acting head coach," Pavelko wrote.

He said that the UAF Executive Committee had made such a decision.

According to Pavelko, Petrakov is a world-famous specialist who has a high reputation in the Ukrainian football community and the necessary knowledge and experience to manage the country's main team at this stage.

"Therefore, he deservedly received unanimous support from members of the executive committee. Congratulations, Oleksandr Vasyliovych! I wish you productive work!" Pavelko said.

Earlier reports said that Petrakov had agreed to manage Ukraine until Serhiy Rebrov leaves UAE club Al Ain.

Ukraine will play their first match under the new head coach on September 1, when they face Kazakhstan in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

op