Photo of FC Polissia Zhytomyr January 13, 2026, 5:27 p.m

A high-profile personnel scandal took place in Zhytomyr Polissia. The club officially announced the suspension of two key players from the first team — defender Serhii Chobotenko and winger Oleksiy Hutsuliak. As of today, both footballers have been transferred to the U-19 team.

According to the club, negotiations regarding the extension of the agreements have been going on for a long time. The Wolves management offered the players new contracts on significantly improved terms, which included a pay rise and a new bonus system. However, the footballers rejected these proposals. Polissia decided not to bet on players who do not see their future in Zhytomyr.

“The coaching staff and management have a responsibility to build the team for the long term, relying on players who link their future with FC Polissia,” the official statement reads.

The club emphasizes that this decision is purely sporting. Polissya guarantees the fulfillment of all financial and household obligations to Chobotenko and Hutsuliak until the end of their current contracts, however, they will not receive any more playing practice. The club added that they consider this explanation exhaustive and will not comment on the situation any further.