ROC head Pozdnyakov criticizes tennis players heading to the Olympics as a “team of foreign agents”

2024-04-05

News

ROC head Pozdnyakov criticizes tennis players heading to the Olympics as a “team of foreign agents”

The head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, expressed criticism of Russian tennis players planning to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris. In his opinion, these athletes, spending most of their time abroad and earning money there, behave like a “team of foreign agents.” He noted that despite their high achievements in sports, which he respects, their position in relation to Russia and the special military operation causes him disagreement.

This statement followed a comment by famous tennis player Daniil Medvedev, who did not agree with Irina Viner’s opinion that Russian athletes participating in the Games in Paris under the terms of the International Olympic Committee would look like a “team of homeless people.” Medvedev emphasized that athletes represent not only themselves, but also their country, regardless of the circumstances.

Pozdnyakov's comment highlights the divisions within the Russian sports community regarding participation in international competitions in the context of the current political situation and relations with the International Olympic Committee.