SCM's shareholder Rinat Akhmetov, President of FC Shakhtar Donetsk, received the Legend of Football order at the club's first UEFA Champions League "home" match of the season, at Stamford Bridge in London on 14 October. The award is the highest of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), and it marks his 30 years of leading the club. Shakhtar won the match against AEK Athens 3-1. Leading international media, including Forbes, Politico, the Guardian and The Washington Post, told the story of the club and our "Invest in Ukraine" campaign.
What award did Rinat Akhmetov receive?
Rinat Akhmetov received the Legend of Football order, the highest award of the Ukrainian Association of Football, at Shakhtar's Champions League "home" match against AEK Athens on 14 October 2026. UAF President Andriy Shevchenko presented the award in person.
"The Legend of Football order is a sign of respect and gratitude for 30 years of work, victories and love for football," Mr Shevchenko said.
Over 30 years under Mr Akhmetov's leadership, Shakhtar has become the best-known Ukrainian club in Europe. Even in the most difficult times, the club continues to represent Ukraine at the highest level and to develop young players.
Why are international media telling the story of Shakhtar Donetsk?
Leading international media, including Forbes, Politico, the Guardian and The Washington Post, told the story of this amazing club. Shakhtar has not played in Donetsk since 2014 because of russia's war. This season, it plays its "home matches" at Stamford Bridge, 2,720 kilometres from our real home in Donetsk, and has become a symbol of Ukrainian resilience.
What is the Invest in Ukraine campaign?
Invest in Ukraine is our global campaign calling on international business to invest in Ukraine, even during the war. In the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League, Shakhtar plays in shirts carrying the SCM logo and the message "Invest in Ukraine". The campaign shows that Ukraine's economic recovery cannot wait for the war to end. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, SCM companies have invested more than $4.3 billion in Ukraine.
Why is now a good time to invest in Ukraine?
SCM believes that investment in Ukraine today supports the security of Europe. Natalya Yemchenko, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at SCM, told Politico:
"It's a good time to invest in Ukraine, not from the point of view of big and easy money. It's a great time to invest from the view of strategic security issues, energy security issues [and] food security issues. It's a very good time to create strength in Ukraine to protect Europe and to make Europe more ready for the next years."
