Hirnyk-Sport Officially Withdraws from Second League for 2026/27 – Squad and Coaching Staff Disbanded

Sporting director Oleksiy Shalaev has confirmed the worst fears for Hirnyk-Sport fans: the club will not compete in the Ukrainian Second League next season. In a direct conversation with reporters, Shalaev was asked point-blank whether the team was pulling out of the competition. “Unfortunately, it’s true,” he replied. The decision is final, he added. The playing squad has been effectively dissolved, and the entire coaching staff is also leaving their positions. Detailed reasons for the move have not been disclosed, but it’s clear the club has hit a critical point. Hirnyk-Sport was scheduled to begin its Second League campaign in summer 2026, but that will no longer happen. The future of players still under contract will be handled individually – they are being advised to seek new opportunities. For Ukrainian football, this is another worrying sign. Financial struggles continue to shrink the number of clubs competing in the professional leagues.