FC
Shakhtar Donets'k (Shakhtyor Donetsk) is a Ukrainian professional football
club, playing in the Donbass city of Donets'k.
History overview
The name derives from the Ukrainian word for "miner" since Donbas is a
historical coal-mining region. The club was founded as workers' amateur
team, but later, following the general Soviet tradition, became de-facto
professional, being sponsored by trade unions and coal-mining industry.
However, thousands of ordinary Soviets were paying symbolic membership fees
for respective "sport society".
After winning the Ukrainian league in 2004, the team is involved in the
2004/2005 UEFA Champions League.
The club is now owned by Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest tycoon, the
leader of the so-called "Donets'kyi clan" - powerful regional business/political
group, allegedly linked to organized crime.
Akhmetov's team policy is employing only Western coaches and wide invitation
of foreign players. He is also promoting close relations with club fans, e.g.
providing them with free transportation on the games outside Donets'k. |
