Heavy news has spread through the Ukrainian sports community: well-known footballer Vyacheslav Sharpar has passed away at the age of 40. The tragic event occurred on June 2, when the athlete's heart stopped. The news became known from a message posted by his parents on social media, published on Facebook.

The Sharpar family is currently facing serious trials. The footballer's body is in Greece, and relatives are forced to resolve complex legal and financial issues to bring their son back to his homeland for burial according to Christian traditions. The deceased leaves behind four children.

Family's appeal to the public

The athlete's mother appealed to the public for support. In her message, she admitted that it was extremely difficult for her to write these words.

«Today it is very difficult for me to write these words. On June 2, our dear and blessed son Vyacheslav tragically passed away. Ahead lies a difficult path to bring him home, to Ukraine, so that we can see him off on his last journey. There are significant expenses ahead for the return of the body and the burial. If you have the ability to support our family financially, we will be sincerely grateful for any help», — the appeal states.

To raise funds, the family opened a dedicated bank account titled «Bringing Vyacheslav Home». The total amount needed to organize the funeral and transport the body is 192,500 hryvnias.

Footballer's path: from Volyn to championship in Latvia

Vyacheslav Sharpar was born in Zelenodolsk in the Dnipropetrovsk region. His career was marked by high achievements both in Ukraine and abroad. Thanks to his height (190 cm), powerful shot, and versatility on the field, he became a notable figure in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Sharpar gained wide recognition playing for Lutsk's Volyn under the guidance of Vitaliy Kvaratskhelia. In 2011, he transferred to Kharkiv's Metalist, where his transfer fee was valued at a solid 2 million euros. As part of Metalist (2010/11 season), the midfielder won the bronze medals of the Ukrainian championship.

Subsequently, he continued his successful career with Poltava's Vorskla, where in the 2017/18 season he again became a bronze medalist of the national championship.

International successes and the national team

Sharpar's career was not limited to Ukrainian football. He successfully played abroad, winning international trophies:

  • In 2015, as part of Tiraspol's Sheriff, he won the Moldovan Super Cup.
  • In 2019, he became the champion of Latvia together with FC Riga.

In 2007, Vyacheslav was called up by Alexei Mykhailichenko to the Ukraine U-21 national team. As part of the national team, he became a medalist of the prestigious Valeriy Lobanovskyi Memorial Tournament.

Sharpar's death is yet another loss for Ukrainian sports in recent times. Earlier, there were reports of the death of the well-known sports commentator and expert Alexander Tyngaev.