Fedik Steps Down as Head Coach: Official Announcement from Rukh

Ivan Fedik Departs from Rukh

According to Главком: Lviv-based football club Rukh has officially confirmed the departure of Ivan Fedik as head coach. His coaching staff-including Valentyn Slyusar, Yaroslav Martynyuk, and Andriy Kovtun-have also left the club. Fedik originally took charge in the summer of 2024, marking his second stint after previously leading the team from 2020 to 2021. During his earlier tenure, he guided Rukh to their historic first promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL).

In the recently concluded season, the team managed only 21 points, finishing in 14th place and landing in the relegation playoff zone for UPL survival. Club owner Hryhoriy Kozlovsky has announced that Rukh will compete in the Ukrainian Second League next season, a strategic move aimed at allowing the squad to rebuild and regain strength in a lower division.

Highlights in Ukrainian Football

Elsewhere in Ukrainian football, notable achievements have emerged. Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk was named the UPL's best goalkeeper for the 2025/26 season. Over 24 league matches, he kept clean sheets in 16. In European competitions, Riznyk also impressed, recording seven shutouts in 16 appearances as Shakhtar reached the Conference League semifinals.

• Riznyk topped the UPL goalkeeper rankings for the 2025/26 season.
• Second place went to 19-year-old Nazar Domchak of Karpaty.
• Third place was claimed by Oleksiy Palamarchuk of LNZ, who set a season record with 17 clean sheets.

Additionally, Dynamo Kyiv forward Matviy Ponomarenko was recognized as the UPL's best young player.

As Rukh embarks on a new chapter, the coaching shake-up comes in response to last season's disappointing results. This reset will allow the team to focus on recovery and preparation for the Second League, where they can aim to improve performance and eventually climb back to higher tiers. Meanwhile, the achievements of players at other clubs highlight the growing potential of Ukrainian football, which bodes well for the future development of young talent.

As Rukh prepares for a fresh start in the Second League, it's worth noting that other clubs in Ukrainian football are also making headlines. For instance, Dmytro Riznyk's impressive performance has earned him recognition as the top goalkeeper in the UPL, while Matviy Ponomarenko has been celebrated as the best young talent. To learn more about these standout players and their achievements, check out the full story here.