Ukrainian midfielder Maxim Hlan has spoken in detail for the first time about the reasons behind his controversial departure from Luhansk's Zory. In an interview with the 'TaToTake' project, published by RBC-Ukraine, the footballer revealed details of the conflict with the club's management and the ProStar agency, which nearly cost him his career.

Pressure for a contract

According to Hlan, the main reason for the breakdown of relations with Zory was the player's refusal to sign a new five-year contract. In his opinion, the club's management used administrative pressure to force the footballer to make concessions. As a result, Hlan was suspended from training with the main team and transferred to the reserves.

"The peak of this situation was when Patrick van Leeuwen came to Zory. And even then, he started promising me that I would play. This was even before I was suspended from the first team, before the start of the season. He said: 'You will play, re-sign the contract'. I re-signed for another year," the footballer said.

Hlan claims that in this way the club tried to force him to sign a long-term agreement. At first, it was a "matter of principle" for the president and management, but in the end, a compromise became impossible — the player himself refused.

The role of ProStar agency and Vadim Shabliy

Hlan paid special attention to the role of the ProStar agency and its founder Vadim Shabliy in the conflict. In his opinion, they became the "core of all problems." Instead of support, the agent publicly devalued the player's position.

"What support can be talked about when your agent goes to the media and says: 'Hlan is not Ronaldo. Who is he to decide what contract to sign?'" the footballer wonders.

In addition, Shabliy began spreading information that Hlan's career was managed by his father. In fact, according to the player, his father only acted as an intermediary in negotiations with agents and club presidents.

Legal victory and a new start

In June 2023, Hlan terminated his contract with Zory unilaterally. Despite a clause in the contract providing for a fine of $10 million for termination without good cause, the footballer was able to join Polish Lechia as early as September of the same year.

The player's lawyers proved that there was "abusive behavior" on the part of the club, which according to FIFA regulations allows for unilateral termination of the contract.

Success in Poland and a new challenge

As part of Lechia, Hlan spent two successful seasons. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 9 goals in 25 matches, helping the team win the Polish First League. In the next season, he scored 5 goals in 30 Ekstraklasa matches.

In August 2025, the midfielder signed a two-year deal with Gornik Zabrze. Last season, he recorded 6 goals and 5 assists in the Polish championship.

Context: other high-profile cases

Hlan's case is not unique in Ukrainian football. Another talented player, Mykhailo Mudryk, lost one of the football courts and now has to pay a million-dollar sum. And one of the latest major scandals, which erupted at the 2026 World Cup, ended on a tragic note.