Ukraine holds first soccer tournament for war-wounded amputees — and plans to go international

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The players were chosen from among the thousands of Ukrainians wounded in the war. With limbs lost to Russian attacks, they gathered at a stadium in Kyiv over the weekend, ready to embark on a new contest: a soccer tournament.

Organized by Ukraine’s Association of Football, the “League of the Mighty” is Ukraine’s first soccer championship for amputees. Over the past year, the association has invested in local communities to establish teams, recognizing the growing number of war-wounded citizens as a result of the nearly three-year war.

With six outfield players and one goalkeeper on each side, they engaged in intense matches. Outfield players, all lower-limb amputees, and goalkeepers with upper-limb amputations, played without prostheses, relying on wrist clutches for control.

Pokrova AMP won the tournament, with captain Valentyn Osovskyi describing the triumph as exhilarating. “We're really glad that we had to work our way through, it was interesting,” he said, adding that the goal is to have their own championship and to create a strong team to represent Ukraine on the international level.

“This will be a priority for the next few years for us,” said Andriy Shevhenko, president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, noting there are more than 100,000 amputees in the country, most of them “soldiers who defended our country.”

For Olena Balbek, adviser to the president of the association, the sport is one way to provide mental and physical rehabilitation for amputees while also normalizing their growing presence in society.

“This is a societal effort,” she said. “We’re focusing on sports because it’s our area of expertise, to make sure this is normalized.”

Citing their own research, Balbek said the association boasts at least 60 professional amputee players in Ukraine – a significant number considering there are around 1,000 worldwide.

Though the reasons are unfortunate, Balbek said, “We have a huge potential in terms of engaging people in the sport.”

Featuring five teams from across Ukraine, the weekend’s championship served as a testament to the association’s success in developing grassroots amputee football across the country since the full-scale invasion began. A dedicated department within the association assists local groups in creating teams.

The work is multifaceted, said Balbek, involving communication with veteran’s groups, local initiatives and football clubs underscoring the importance of establishing amputee teams.

“Football is the best rehabilitation for me," said Mykola Gatala, captain of the Pokrova AMP-One team. "It has helped me both physically and mentally. I’m doing it with my brothers in arms who went through the same things I did. We understand each other.”

Soccer players pose for photo in the end of the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Andriy Shevchenko, head of Ukrainian Football federation speaks to soccer players during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players Pokrova FC-2 celebrate a victory of the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first Ukrainian football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A soccer player of Pokrova FC-2 play during the A soccer player of Pokrova FC-2 play during Ukraine's first soccer tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi and MSK Dnipro play during Ukraine's first soccer tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first Ukrainian football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and MSK Dnipro play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and MSK Dnipro play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi and Pokrova FC play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and Pokrova FC-2 rest during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and MSK Dnipro play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 walk on the field during the first Ukrainian football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 stretch their hands towards each other during the first Ukrainian football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of AMP FC Kyiv and Pokrova FC-2 greets each other during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first Ukrainian football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A soccer player of Shakhtar Stalevi play in match against MSK Dnipro during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players Pokrova FC-2 celebrate a victory of the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi rest during Ukraine's first soccer tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Pokrova FC and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi and Pokrova FC-2 play during the first football tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Soccer players of Shakhtar Stalevi and Pokrova FC-2 play during Ukraine's first soccer tournament for war-wounded amputees in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic as an ongoing crackdown on demonstrators has led to hundreds of deaths.

Trump said late Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports mount of increasing deaths and the government continues to arrest protesters.

“The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night.

Iran did not acknowledge Trump’s comments immediately. It has previously warned the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has accurately reported on past unrest in Iran, gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran cross checking information. It said at least 544 people have been killed so far, including 496 protesters and 48 people from the security forces. It said more than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.

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A witness told the AP that the streets of Tehran empty at the sunset call to prayers each night.

Part of that stems from the fear of getting caught in the crackdown. Police sent the public a text message that warned: “Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some gatherings last night and their plans to cause death, and the firm decision to not tolerate any appeasement and to deal decisively with the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their youth and teenagers.”

Another text, addressed “Dear parents,” which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.

The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.

—- By Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Iran drew tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets Monday in a show of power after nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.

Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square in the capital.

It called the demonstration an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” without addressing the underlying anger in the country over the nation’s ailing economy. That sparked the protests over two weeks ago.

State television aired images of such demonstrations around the country, trying to signal it had overcome the protests, as claimed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier in the day.

China says it opposes the use of force in international relations and expressed hope the Iranian government and people are “able to overcome the current difficulties and maintain national stability.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that Beijing “always opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs, maintains that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned “in the strongest terms the violence that the leadership in Iran is directing against its own people.”

He said it was a sign of weakness rather than strength, adding that “this violence must end.”

Merz said during a visit to India that the demonstrators deserve “the greatest respect” for the courage with which “they are resisting the disproportional, brutal violence of Iranian security forces.”

He said: “I call on the Iranian leadership to protect its population rather than threatening it.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday suggested that a channel remained open with the United States.

Esmail Baghaei made the comment during a news conference in Tehran.

“It is open and whenever needed, through that channel, the necessary messages are exchanged,” he said.

However, Baghaei said such talks needed to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”

The semiofficial Fars news agency in Iran, which is close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on Monday began calling out Iranian celebrities and leaders on social media who have expressed support for the protests over the past two weeks, especially before the internet was shut down.

The threat comes as writers and other cultural leaders were targeted even before protests. The news agency highlighted specific celebrities who posted in solidarity with the protesters and scolded them for not condemning vandalism and destruction to public property or the deaths of security forces killed during clashes. The news agency accused those celebrities and leaders of inciting riots by expressing their support.

Canada said it “stands with the brave people of Iran” in a statement on social media that strongly condemned the killing of protesters during widespread protests that have rocked the country over the past two weeks.

“The Iranian regime must halt its horrific repression and intimidation and respect the human rights of its citizens,” Canada’s government said on Monday.

Iran’s foreign minister claimed Monday that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in the country.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran’s foreign minister alleged Monday that nationwide protests in his nation “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim, which comes after over 500 have been reported killed by activists -- the vast majority coming from demonstrators.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador over protesters twice taking down the Iranian flag at their embassy in London.

Iranian state television also said Monday that it complained about “certain terrorist organization that, under the guise of media, spread lies and promote violence and terrorism.” The United Kingdom is home to offices of the BBC’s Persian service and Iran International, both which long have been targeted by Iran.

A huge crowd of demonstrators, some waving the flag of Iran, gathered Sunday afternoon along Veteran Avenue in LA’s Westwood neighborhood to protest against the Iranian government. Police eventually issued a dispersal order, and by early evening only about a hundred protesters were still in the area, ABC7 reported.

Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran.

Los Angeles police responded Sunday after somebody drove a U-Haul box truck down a street crowded with the the demonstrators, causing protesters to scramble out of the way and then run after the speeding vehicle to try to attack the driver. A police statement said one person was hit by the truck but nobody was seriously hurt.

The driver, a man who was not identified, was detained “pending further investigation,” police said in a statement Sunday evening.

Shiite Muslims hold placards and chant slogans during a protest against the U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Activists carrying a photograph of Reza Pahlavi take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House, in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)