Kernes: Yaroslavsky sold Metalist in anticipation of court's decision on fixed matches

Kharkiv Mayor Hennadiy Kernes has said that Oleksandr Yaroslavsky sold FC Metalist Kharkiv in anticipation of a decision by a court in Lausanne on fixed matches that were allegedly played between Metalist and Karpaty.

"I'm not the reason for this. The reason for this is money, financial gains and unclear situation with fixed matches, which have yet to be considered by a court in Lausanne," Kernes said at a press conference on Monday.

He also noted that deals of such a level were not being prepared within a day.

"Such deals on the sale of one of the best clubs in Ukraine and a successful club at the European level are not made within a day," Kernes said.

He recalled that earlier, Yaroslavsky categorically denied the possible sale of the club.

Kernes also denied reports that the city authorities were preventing Yaroslavsky from doing business. As an example of successful cooperation, he named the airport, which is leased by New Systems AIM, a company controlled by Yaroslavsky.

"There are no complaints to the work of New Systems AIM… Moreover, we are helping this structure in terms of paperwork so that all issues are resolved in a partner manner," he said.

Speaking about Serhiy Kurchenko, who is named to be a new potential owner of FC Metalist, Kernes noted that he knew this person.

"As for Serhiy Kurchenko, I know him, because he is a resident of Kharkiv, and I think that he is a quite sociable, promising and energetic young man who can answer for his words and deeds," Kernes said.

He also noted that the new owner of the club would have to ensure its results at a level not lower than the current one.

Kernes also said that Yaroslavsky could have sold the club for at least $100 million.