The president of Ukraine’s biggest soccer club has announced a 10 million UAH ($231,096) donation to skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych after he was banned from the Winter Olympics. Heraskevych, 27, was disqualified from competition after choosing to wear a “helmet of remembrance” in honour of fellow athletes who have died following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. AdvertisementThe International Olympic Committee said it violated its rules on political messaging in the field of play. “The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward. This season, Shakhtar has played its Conference League matches at the stadium of Polish club Wisla Krakow and are second in Ukraine’s top division.

Source: International New York Times February 17, 2026 20:46 UTC