Football
Ovchinnikov: “In 2026, Russia will be returned to the international stage, we must believe in the positive”
Russian football coach Valery Ovchinnikov believes that starting next year all Russian athletes will be allowed to participate in international competitions.
Previously, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international federations not limit the access of athletes from Russia and Belarus to youth competitions in both individual and team disciplines. In addition, Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete at tournaments under national symbols, with the flag and anthem.
— With Russia’s admission to international competitions, the ice has broken. The IOC already gives permission to young people to compete. I think next year will be enough for Europe and the world to open all the floodgates and allow us to participate in all tournaments. Let’s quickly start competing at the World and European Championships. They are all tired of stewing in their own juices without us. In 2026, Russia will be returned, we must believe in the positive,” Soviet Sport quotes Ovchinnikov.
Source: Sportbox
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