Ukraine’s football federation confirmed on Tuesday the appointment of Andrea Maldera as sporting director, a strategic hire aimed at reviving the national team’s fortunes ahead of Euro 2028. Maldera, 42, who served as assistant to Roberto De Zerbi at both Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton & Hove Albion, will report directly to head coach Serhiy Rebrov, the federation announced in a statement released late evening.
The move ends weeks of speculation over Ukraine’s next sporting director following the resignation of Andriy Shevchenko from the role in December. Maldera’s arrival marks a rare instance of a Western European football executive taking a top-tier position in Ukrainian football, highlighting the country’s push to professionalize its backroom structures under pressure from UEFA’s licensing reforms.
Key Points
- ✅ Maldera brings De Zerbi’s possession-based system expertise
- ⚡ Last served as Brighton’s assistant before his exit in August 2024
- 💡 Expected to oversee squad recruitment and tactical development
Maldera’s exit from Brighton in August followed a power struggle with then-manager De Zerbi and sporting director Dan Ashworth, sources close to the club confirmed. His abrupt departure left Brighton’s backroom setup in disarray, but it has since stabilized under new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s successor, Liam Manning. Maldera’s appointment in Ukraine signals a confidence in his ability to implement high-intensity, pressing football despite political and logistical challenges in Eastern Europe.
| Career Milestone | Ukraine Role | Brighton Exit |
|---|---|---|
| Shakhtar Donetsk assistant (2021–2023) | De Zerbi’s coaching philosophy | Internal conflict with Ashworth |
| Brighton & Hove Albion assistant (2023–2024) | Squad recruitment oversight | Resignation in August 2024 |
Rebrov, who took charge of Ukraine in June 2024, has prioritized tactical modernisation and player development, particularly among young talents like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk. Maldera’s integration will be critical as Ukraine aims to qualify for its first major tournament since Euro 2020, where it reached the quarter-finals.
💡 Pro Tip
For clubs or federations hiring foreign executives, ensure alignment on tactical identity and decision-making authority before finalising contracts to avoid internal friction.
Maldera’s first major task will be overseeing Ukraine’s squad selection for the March 2025 international fixtures, including a crucial Euro 2028 qualifier against France. The federation has allocated €1.8 million for the sporting director’s office in 2025, a modest but symbolic investment in professionalising its football operations.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1 — Number of Western European sporting directors currently in post in Eastern European football
- 4 — Years since Ukraine last qualified for a major tournament before Euro 2020
- €1.8m — Budget approved for Maldera’s office in 2025
The appointment has drawn mixed reactions from Ukrainian media. Some analysts praise the federation’s boldness in hiring a high-profile figure, while others question whether Maldera’s experience in elite club football will translate effectively to the national team’s unique dynamics. Rebrov has dismissed concerns, stating in a press conference on Wednesday that Maldera’s arrival is "a step forward, not a gamble."
- 📊 Maldera’s possession stats at Brighton: 58% average, top 5 in Premier League under De Zerbi
- 🔍 Rebrov’s tenure record: 12 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses in 22 matches
- ⚠️ Ukraine’s next qualifier: March 25, 2025 vs France in Paris
The federation has also confirmed that Maldera will begin his role on February 1, 2025, giving him a month to settle in before the critical international break. His contract runs until the end of Euro 2028, with an option for extension based on performance.
- First — Maldera to assess current squad depth and identify recruitment needs by February 15
- Second — March fixtures to serve as early indicator of tactical progress
- Third — Euro 2028 qualification group draw scheduled for April 2025
As Ukraine navigates geopolitical instability and player availability challenges, Maldera’s appointment represents a bet on technical expertise over domestic solutions—a gamble the federation appears willing to take in its quest to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite.
