ANDFootball once again shows that it is far from just a sport. It is a conciliatory component that goes beyond controversies, signings, titles and recognition. UEFA, together with the United Nations High Commissioner, organizes the Unity Euro Cup, a competition where some of the best teams in the world, made up of refugees or people at risk of exclusion, will compete for the title in Frankfurt. Never before has a trophy had such symbolic value. The reality is that everyone deserves it.
Spain is among the five countries in the world with the most refugee asylum applications. The members of this team have found in the ball a help to forget the barbarity that one day they had to suffer inside.
Training of the Spanish Refugee Selection.
Olena Chesanova will wear the 10th of the Spanish National Team. Eleven years ago, he was walking quietly through the city of Kiev, while La Roja won the triple crown of world soccer: Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012. That day came the height of his love for soccer, but his passion was born before: “I watched all the matches with my father. I remember the Dinamo kyiv-Barcelona event in 1998 with special affection, we ran a lot to get to the stadium to see it.”
A decade later, kyiv has become one of the epicenters of Russian air raids. Olena has engraved in her heart the day he had to leave his house: “I heard a lot of noises, I had the feeling that something horrible was happening. When I saw the social networks … That same afternoon we left for my parents’ house. We usually take 5 hours, that day we spent a whole day in the car”.
Training of the Spanish Refugee Selection.
About the possibility of returning, there are still doubts, because “I’m really waiting for everything to end, I’m still afraid for my children, I want them to be well and receive the best possible education“. The worst feeling for Olena is being aware that there is nothing in her power to help her country:” What is happening is outrageous. I don’t understand how situations like this still occur on the planet. My colleagues from Morocco, Mal, Afghanistan must flee from her country. It’s one thing to decide to leave for a better future… But because of some bombings or some crazy people it’s unfair.”
What is happening in the Ukraine is outrageous. It’s one thing to decide to leave for a better future… But because of some bombings or some crazy people it’s unfair
Precisely from Mal, his partner on the attack front, Abba Coulibaly, had to flee. The 20-year-old needed to get out of his way: “I knew it was going to be difficult. A week in a boat without water or drink… I had to do it to be able to come to Spain, find a better future.”
His youth was not an impediment, moreover, his parents, aware of the difficulties in Mal, did not oppose his decision: “I told him, I did not want to hide it from him. They were happy, they were aware that coming here involved a great risk, but it was a great joy for my whole family.“. Abba, like Olena, also does not rule out a future return to her country, but not now: “I miss Mal a lot. I have been in Spain for two years and I want to return, but I have to wait a bit and continue to grow here.”
The role of the RFEF
When they both arrive in Spain, they face an environment and a situation completely unknown to them. Olena is part of an international company, Abba is in love with hospitality, her other passion. Football and the RFEF is the common element that unites them. “I didn’t know it was going to be such a great opportunity. Being able to enjoy football with my teammates at a European level and having coaches of a very high level… It is a pleasure to meet these technicians and my colleagues. They are great guys, we have formed a great family”, says Chesanova, about the group formed.
Olena Chesanova, refugee from Ukraine.
Abba, shy like few at first, gradually matured and opened up to his teammates with the ball in the middle: “When I got here, I was impressed to see so many people. The whole team helps me, they give me advice and I am very happy to be part of this group.”
The whole team helps me, they give me advice and I am very happy to be part of this group
The Spanish Football Federation understands that these boys must grow on and off the pitch, so they adapt their schedules so that everyone can train. “I start work at 9:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m. and I can’t stop thinking about football”jokes Coulibaly, about how he alternates sports and work.
racism in spain
Coulibaly does not hesitate to answer who his idol is. “Cristiano, without a doubt. I can play in the position that the coach sends me, but on one condition: always with the number 7,” the Malian assured without hesitation.
Also porting this season the 7, Vini Jr in Real Madrid. When Abba observed the Mestalla incidents, only he could think “Spain is not racist. There are many people who are, but not the country. I’m sorry that it only focuses on football, because there is racism in all of society and everywhere”.
I am sorry that racism is only focused on football, there is in all of society and in all places
The Malian has suffered racist episodes, but the smile has never been erased from his face: “I had a racist problem at work, but there are more people who have helped me, that’s why I always say the same thing: ‘The world is full of good people and bad people, never respond to a case of racism. People who want to do harm will not change.
Abba Coulibaly, player of the Spanish Refugee Selection.
A dream to fulfill
Life has given them a new opportunity. Taking advantage of it is not an option for them. Spanish football has united a group that has no intention of separating. “I didn’t know it was going to be such a big opportunity. Ukraine is also participating in the tournament. It makes me happy to see my compatriots and my teammates enjoy together,” assures Olena, about the expectations she has in the Frankfurt championship.
Olena Chesanova, player of the Spanish Refugee Selection.
Abba is proud to be able to play with the La Roja shirt in the Unity Euro Cup: “Since I set foot in this country, many people have helped me adapt to this new life. Representing Spain is beastly. We are going for the championship, with great strength and full of energy to bring it home together.”
Their goal is to win the RFEF championship, so they feel they have reached a new home. The ball has become his refuge and a smile has been drawn on his face again. On the green mat La Roja will show that hope is the last thing to be lost.
