Tochilinning thoughts on sanctions against Russian sports

Football expert Aleksandr Tochilin recently shared his views in an interview with the publication "Euro-Football.Ru" regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino's opinion that the ban on Russian teams should be lifted and the issue of removing sanctions imposed on Russia by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to euro-football.ru, Tochilin stated that information is circulating about an important decision made at the IOC meeting held in Milan to lift restrictions on Russian sports.

He expressed hope for the realization of these reports and emphasized that European countries are also beginning to understand that the intrigue and popularity of major international competitions would significantly decline without Russia. Gianni Infantino had previously stated that excluding Russian teams was illogical.

Tochilin agreed with this view, noting that currently there are double standards worldwide and a one-sided attitude towards Russia. In his opinion, over time, international organizations are also beginning to realize the incorrectness of such decisions.

According to the expert, if the IOC lifts sanctions against Russia, this could influence other sports organizations as well. He said that in such a case, a chain reaction would occur, and other organizations would be forced to reconsider their decisions.

Especially, decisions by a major organization like the IOC in this regard could serve as an example for other organizations. Infantino had stated that in the future, it should be legally prohibited to exclude sports teams from competitions for political reasons.

Tochilin supported this opinion, emphasizing that sports should be free from politics. He assessed the decisions made against Russia as contrary to this principle.

Additionally, there is information that the issue of Russia's full return to international competitions might be discussed at FIFA's congress in April. Tochilin evaluated these reports positively and did not rule out the possibility of such a scenario.

At the same time, he acknowledged that even if Russia is allowed, some teams might refuse to play against Russia. However, he stated that disciplinary measures should be taken in such cases and that technical defeats could serve as a lesson for other teams.