UA:PBC has announced that Ukraine will withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. The news was revealed via a statement on the broadcaster’s Facebook page.
In a fast-paced sequence of events, the saga began when MARUV won the Ukrainian national selection event Vidbir on Saturday. Upon receiving the contract from UA:PBC, MARUV felt unable to agree to the terms.
The broadcaster went on to ask the next most popular acts from the national final to take part instead. Nevertheless, Freedom Jazz and KAZKA both declined the offer. With no other solution in sight, Ukraine’s UA:PBC has had no choice but to withdraw.
No ban, discussions ongoing
Soon after the announcement, speculation arose on social media whether the EBU would impose sanctions on the Ukrainian broadcaster for withdrawing so late. The EBU have now commented through an article on Eurovision.tv, where they say:
Each participating broadcaster is responsible for the selection of their act for the Eurovision Song Contest in accordance to the rules set out by the European Broadcasting Union. It is with sadness that the EBU can confirm that Ukraine’s broadcaster UA:PBC has informed the EBU that, following further discussions, they have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. There will be further discussions between the EBU and UA:PBC on this matter but we hope to see them again in 2020. However, for now, we look forward to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic event in Tel Aviv in May.
EBU on Eurovision.tv
The statement by the EBU doesn’t speak of possible sanctions, such as a fine. They do however seem to confirm that Ukraine’s UA:PBC will not be banned from entering the Eurovision Song Contest. If they were to desire a return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020, the EBU would welcome them back once again.
