Key points:

• The privatized sports complex in Odessa had been in a state of disrepair for more than two decades;
• Due to serious violations of the privatization contract, the prosecution initiated a lawsuit in the interests of the state;
• The Economic Court of the Odessa region upheld the prosecutor's claims, and the decision has taken effect;
• In April 2025, the sports complex was officially returned to state ownership.

According to the press service of the Odessa regional prosecutor's office, this facility is set to become a hub for physical culture for the residents of the large neighborhood. However, for over two decades, it remained an abandoned concrete structure – a ruin amid residential development.

“This is a vivid example of the consequences of irresponsible privatization that pushed public interests to the background,” the department's statement reads.

As reported by the prosecution, in 2002, a purchase agreement for the unfinished construction object was signed between the State Property Fund of Ukraine and the private owner. The contract stipulated that the works were to be completed by 2014. However, the owner failed to take any measures for completion or improvement of the territory. The complex gradually fell into disrepair, and its intended purpose as a sports facility was effectively ignored.

In light of the gross violations of the contract terms, the prosecution filed a lawsuit in the interests of the state. The Economic Court of the Odessa region granted the prosecutor's demands. 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 the failure to meet the construction completion deadlines constitutes a substantial breach of the contract terms. This was the basis for its termination and the return of the facility to the state,” the press service of the supervisory agency added.

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