Key points:

• The privatized sports complex in Odesa had been abandoned for over two decades in a residential area;
• Due to severe violations of the privatization agreement, the prosecution filed a lawsuit in the state's interests;
• The Economic Court of Odesa Oblast upheld the prosecutor's claims, and the decision has come into effect;
• In April 2025, the sports complex was finally returned to state ownership.

According to the press service of the Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office, this facility is set to become a key center for physical culture for the residents of a large district. However, for over 20 years, it remained a lifeless concrete structure, a ruin amidst residential buildings.

«This is a vivid example of the consequences of irresponsible privatization, which has pushed societal interests to the background,» the agency stated.

According to the prosecution, in 2002, a purchase agreement for an unfinished construction object was signed between the State Property Fund of Ukraine and the buyer. The agreement stipulated the completion of work by 2014. However, the owner took no action to finish construction or to improve the area. The complex gradually deteriorated, and its intended purpose as a sports facility was essentially ignored.

Given the gross violation of the agreement, the prosecution initiated a lawsuit in the state's interests. The Economic Court of Odesa Oblast upheld the prosecutor's claims. The appellate court confirmed the legality of the decision, and the Supreme Court closed the cassation proceedings.

Currently, the court's decision has gained legal force.

«The court recognized that failing to meet the construction deadlines is a significant breach of the agreement. This became the basis for its termination and the return of the object to the state,» the press service of the prosecutorial office added.

Following the court's decision, in April 2025, an act of transfer was signed between the parties, and the sports complex was finally returned to state ownership.