There was physical assault. The version of why Stepanov refused to go to the Ukraine national team has become known.

Former journalists of the 'Football' channels Igor Burbas and Volodymyr Kramar spoke about the reason for Artem Stepanov's refusal to arrive in the Ukraine U-20 national team. According to Burbas, the Bayer striker believes he has outgrown the level of this team.

According to my information, there are two motives. The first is that I have outgrown the level of this national team and call me at least for U-21. Here at Bayer's office, a call comes to U-20. As far as I understand, Stepanov's response was - I will not go to U-19 or U-20, call me at least for U-21. And in general, I am not satisfied with coaches Mykhailenko and Yezersky in U-19 and U-20, I do not like them. It's a bit of a nonsense,

Kramar, meanwhile, refuted this version and noted that he heard about physical assault in the locker room. He believes that such methods are ineffective and can change the player's attitude towards the coaches.

I do not know who was pulling Stepanov, Mykhailenko or Yezersky. But it must be understood that such methods do not work. As I understand it, he perceived this as humiliation. If this happens, then there is an unhealthy atmosphere in U-19 or U-20. Because there is no smoke without fire,

Unai Melgosa, the curator of the youth and U-21 national teams of Ukraine, confirmed that Artem received an invitation for training with the U-20 youth national team, but his refusal happened.

Currently, he may be called up to the Ukraine national team in the future. We will keep track of his development, as well as other players, for the benefit of the national team and the player himself,

Stepanov has already played for the Ukraine national teams U-16, U-17, and U-19 and has played 2 matches for Bayer's main team this season.