UAF presented the new trophy of the Cup of Ukraine

The official event for the presentation of the new format and trophy of the Cup of Ukraine-2025/2026 took place at the House of Football. The innovations were presented by a special working group led by UAF Vice President Oleksandr Shevchenko and head of the tournament directorate Oleg Luzhny.

Competition format: structure and innovations

In the new season, 68 teams will participate in the draw of the Cup of Ukraine, of which 48 will be professional and 20 will be amateur. The competition will consist of seven stages and will cover 67 matches, starting from the qualifying round and finishing with the final.

The organizers plan to conduct the draw using a 'blind' method at each stage, and in the case of a tie, a series of penalty shootouts, except for the final. This will simplify the process of determining the winner.

Prize fund and distribution of money

The total prize fund of the tournament has been increased by 25%, as the number of participants has also risen. Payment to participants will be distributed according to the scheme: 70% to the home team and 30% to the guests.

Unified television pool and media model

Match broadcasts will be available on OTT platforms and the UPL TV YouTube channel. The costs of producing broadcasts will be covered by partner payments, which will allow expanding the audience of the tournament and increasing its commercial attractiveness.

New trophy: a symbol of honor and strength

The winner of the 2025/2026 season will receive a new trophy featuring a Cossack mace as a symbol of strength and invincibility. The shape of the trophy was inspired by Ivan Mazepa's mace, while the decoration includes ornaments and a motto in the style of Ukrainian baroque.

The trophy is also adorned with a blue topaz of Ukrainian origin and amber, which gives it uniqueness and symbolic significance.

The UAF also plans to collaborate with the 92nd separate mechanized brigade named after the Cossack ataman Ivan Sirko in this tournament, which will include joint charity events.

We remind you that the draw for the qualifying round of the Cup of Ukraine in football has taken place.

A new format and trophy of the Cup of Ukraine-2025/2026 have been presented. In the new season, 68 teams will compete, new draw rules have been established, the prize fund has been increased, media coverage has been expanded, and a new trophy has been set for the winner. All these changes are aimed at increasing interest in the game and the commercial attractiveness of the tournament.