Two-time Olympic champion and member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Fetisov opposed the broadcast of the 2026 Winter Olympics on television in Russia. This was reported by the "Glavcom".
At the moment, three Russian athletes have qualified for the 2026 Olympics, who will perform in a neutral status.
"I believe it should not be shown. Because we were expelled for no reason. If our athletes had not qualified, had not received licenses, but we were simply thrown out. To show the Olympics in Russia would be a betrayal of those Russian athletes who did not go there, who were not allowed for various reasons," Fetisov stated.
As reported, the Council of the International Ski Federation (FIS) voted against the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympic qualifying competitions.
"The FIS Council voted to deny athletes in individual neutral status (AIN) from qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan. The AIN status was developed by the International Olympic Committee as a possible way for athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the qualifying competitions for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each international federation retains the right to independently decide whether to allow these athletes to qualify or not," the FIS press office said in a statement.
A Russian athlete turned out to be a friend of the occupier
It should be noted that Russian speed skater Daniil Naidenishev, recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU) as a neutral athlete, turned out to be a friend of the Russian occupier Mikhail Lebedev.
On Instagram, Naidenishev is a follower of Lebedev's page, who participates in the war against Ukraine. Lebedev posts photos and videos of his participation in the war against Ukraine on his page. It is worth noting that the occupier Lebedev is also a follower of Naidenishev.
It is positive that Fetisov's statements add context to the situation with the 2026 Olympics and raise questions of fairness regarding Russian athletes. Additionally, Naidenishev's attitude towards the occupier Lebedev may raise questions about his participation in international competitions and support for military operations.