Game4Ukraine

Game4Ukraine was a charity football match played on 5 August 2023 to raise money for the United24 initiative, a fundraiser to help in Ukraine's rebuilding of facilities and infrastructure that suffered damage from the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.[1][2] It was played at Stamford Bridge, home stadium of Chelsea FC. Past and present Ukrainian footballers Oleksandr Zinchenko and Andriy Shevchenko featured as team captains for "Team Zinchenko" and "Team Shevchenko" respectively, whose teams each played in yellow and blue (colours in the flag of Ukraine), along with other players as well as celebrities. The game was mixed-sex, with several women footballers playing.[3][4]

Game4Ukraine
Team Zinchenko Team Shevchenko
Arsene Wenger Emma Hayes
2 2
Date5 August 2023 (2023-08-05)
VenueStamford Bridge, Fulham, London
RefereeDavid Coote
Attendance30,000
Weather16 °C (61 °F), showers

The match was televised live on Sky Max, Sky Showcase and the Freeview channel Pick. Entertainers that were present at the event included Melanie C, The Pretenders, Pete Doherty, Tom Walker, Tom Grennan and Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.[5]

The match day kit and merchandise was supplied by My Club Group.

Pre-match

Opening ceremony

Fans in the stadium, as well as those watching on TV in the UK and around the World, saw a great line-up of players and celebrities on the pitch. There were also two DJ sets, two sopranos performing the national anthems, an address from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, live stage performances from Tom Walker, Pete Doherty, BoomBox, Vakarchuk, Tom Grennan, and The Pretenders, as detailed below.

4pm – Gates Open

5pm – The event got under way with two DJ sets from Artbat – globally famous Ukrainian DJs performing with John Martin, followed by a set from Melanie C. Meanwhile, the players made their way onto the pitch to warm up and greet the fans.

5:45pm – The national anthem of Ukraine was performed by Jamala, and Carly Paoli sang the national anthem of the UK; this was followed by an address from President Zelenskyy.

A minute's silence was held for all those killed during the conflict, with the players and artists coming together on the centre circle along with the audience standing in unity. The Players were joined by mascots – Ukrainian school children displaced by the conflict.

6pm – Kick off. Fifty legends with a combined 3,209 international caps, 468 goals, 7 World Cups, 27 Champions League winners, 100+ trophies, and 2 Ballon D’ors, plus stars from film and music.

6:24pm – Paying Respect. The referee briefly stopped the game, and the audience were encouraged to rise, cheer, clap, and pay tribute to the bravery of the people of Ukraine - not just those on the front line, but also the everyday people who endure and come together to stand defiant.

6:45pm – Half Time Show. Extended half-time with performances from Pete Doherty, BoomBox, and Tom Walker. Pete performed a version of Dirty Old Town in Ukrainian, BoomBox with lead singer Andriy Khlyvnyuk (who came directly from fighting on the frontline to make a special appearance) performed Hey Hey Rise Up with his band, and Tom Walker followed with his first big hit, "Leave a Light On".

7:20pm – Second Half.

8:05pm – Trophy Presentation. Trophy presentation, and players pitched side celebrations with the fans.

8:15pm – Live Music. Musical performances by Tom Grennan who performed a couple of his hits, Ukrainian legend Vakarchuk, and The Pretenders with the finale.

9pm – Light Show. Pyro light show, with thanks to the audience for being there with them.

Teams

Confirmed to play

See also

References
  1. "Ukraine: Oleksandr Zinchenko & Andriy Shevchenko to captain teams in charity game at Chelsea". BBC Sport. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  2. "Oleksandr Zinchenko to fulfil boyhood Arsenal dream and play under Arsene Wenger in 'Game 4 Ukraine'". talkSPORT. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  3. "Global stars unite in support of Ukraine at Stamford Bridge". www.chelseafc.com. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  4. "Game4Ukraine: Chelsea to host star-studded charity match at Stamford Bridge this summer". Yahoo! Sports. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  5. "Game4Ukraine: Arsene Wenger and Emma Hayes go head-to-head live on Sky Max for star-studded showdown". Sky Sports. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
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