The Football Association has invited more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and their host families to attend England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday.
The propositions have been made to people involved in the British government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, which launched last year in response to Russia’s invasion of the country.
There are around 117,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, many of them housed with people who volunteered to open up their homes to those fleeing the conflict.
There are expected to be 4,200 Ukraine supporters among the sell-out crowd, in addition to those invited from the scheme.
Sports minister Stuart Andrew said in a statement: “Over the past year the UK has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.
“Thousands of people have played their part by generously welcoming Ukrainians into their homes, and we continue to do all we can to support all those displaced because of (Vladimir) Putin’s illegal war.
“This Euro 2024 qualifier will be a poignant and emotional occasion and I applaud the FA and the team at Wembley Stadium for their kind gesture.”
