Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight world champion, has officially taken on the role of First Vice President of Ukrainian Premier League club Polissia Zhytomyr. Previously listed as a forward for the team, he is now shifting his focus to an executive position and has already outlined key areas for change.
From the Pitch to the Boardroom
Club president Hennadii Butkevych and Usyk have signed an agreement that brings the boxer into the club’s top management. While he had earlier expressed interest in appearing in official UPL matches, his new role gives him a far broader scope of influence over the club’s direction.
Usyk describes the move as an opportunity to work with sport at a systemic level—shaping approaches, standards, and the rules that define it.
A Focus on Officiating
Among his first priorities is reforming refereeing. The goal is to increase transparency and rebuild trust in officiating, an issue that has long been a point of tension in Ukrainian football.
Usyk emphasizes that in his new role, he will rely on the same principles that defined his career: discipline, clarity of rules, and accountability for every decision.
Context of His Role at Polissia
Usyk joined Polissia in July 2023, the same year the club secured promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League. He has already appeared in friendly matches, including games against Veres Rivne, and took part in the team’s winter training camp in Spain.
He is still listed on the club’s official website as a forward wearing number 17, although he is not included in the official UPL squad registration.
A New Phase
In March 2026, the appointment became official. Usyk is now responsible for the club’s strategic direction rather than on-field performance. Based on his initial statements, his ambitions appear to extend beyond a single club.