Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov emphasized UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's concerns about political pressure being exerted on international sports federations. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
Čeferin previously stated that he is against the exclusion of clubs and national teams of all countries from competitions for political reasons. According to him, athletes cannot influence government decisions or stop military actions, so they should not be held responsible.
While speaking to members of the UEFA Executive Committee about the pressures coming from Ukraine in the sports field, Degtyaryov called it sports banditry. He also recalled the events that took place when Russian fencers were allowed to participate in the World Championship held in Georgia.
At that time, fiery games and other provocations were organized at night in front of the window of the athletes staying at the hotel, which he described as sports terrorism. On September 7, the Russian national team, suspended from international competitions, will hold a friendly match against the Qatar team.
This match is seen as an important event against the backdrop of political problems in the sports field. Overall, it is emphasized that sports and politics should be separated and athletes should not be involved in political decisions.
