Serhiy Rebrov faces backlash in Ukraine over padel video

Serhiy Rebrov has again become a talking point in Ukraine, this time after local reports described him as being at the centre of a controversy over a padel game with former Russia international Vasiliy Berezutskiy.

Fallout after Ukraine's failed World Cup play-off

Rebrov recently left his role with the Ukraine national team after the country failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup. According to the source material, Ukraine were beaten by Sweden in the semi-final of the play-off tournament, with the defeat quickly triggering criticism of the coaching staff.

Local media reaction was severe, with Rebrov blamed in some quarters for the team’s inability to produce convincing performances during his spell in charge. The pressure did not last long before a change was made, and Andrea Maldera was appointed as his successor.

Fresh controversy after video emerges

Although Rebrov has not yet taken charge of a new team, his name has remained in the headlines. The latest episode centres on footage referenced by sport.ua, which reported that the former Ukraine coach played padel with Berezutskiy, the former CSKA Moscow defender and a 101-cap Russia international.

That detail has prompted a strong reaction in Ukraine, where sections of the media have labelled the situation a scandal. The criticism is rooted not in football alone, but in the broader sensitivities surrounding any visible contact between prominent Ukrainian sporting figures and former representatives of Russia.

Berezutskiy’s background adds complexity

The reporting also noted that Berezutskiy had previously spoken out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In February 2022, he posted “No to war” on social media, and he was also cited as saying that his greatest wish was for peace around the world and for humanity to understand that war is unnecessary.

Even so, his later return to work in Russian football has added another layer to the debate. After spells with Shanghai Shenhua in China and Sabah Baku in Azerbaijan, he went back to Russia and managed Ural Yekaterinburg between December 2025 and June 2026.

Rebrov remains under scrutiny

This is not the first time Rebrov has attracted attention since leaving the national team job. In May, media reports said the former Ukraine coach had paid bail of 30 million hryvnias for Andriy Yermak, the former head of Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, who was arrested and accused of involvement in an organised criminal group.

Set against that backdrop, the latest images have only intensified scrutiny around one of the most recognisable figures in Ukrainian football. For now, Rebrov remains out of work in coaching terms, but firmly in the public eye.

• Rebrov left the Ukraine national team after the failed World Cup play-off campaign.
• Andrea Maldera was named as his successor.
• sport.ua reported that Rebrov played padel with Vasiliy Berezutskiy.
• Berezutskiy is a former Russia international with 101 caps.