Random Russia sh*t

[Matilda23]

So AIN teams can qualify for the 2028 Olympics?

 

[MaryClare]

So AIN teams can qualify for the 2028 Olympics?

Yes I believe so. Since the team restriction has been lifted for a while now.

I am very much looking forward to RG Euros…

 

[Sanzhirovka]

Personally I find Melnikova’s words about about equal conditions for children disgusting, but this vote comes as no surprise.

In fact I’ve been saying for a while that Russia is almost certain to compete as Russia in LA.

 

[MaryClare]

Personally I find Melnikova’s words about about equal conditions for children disgusting, but this vote comes as no surprise.

In fact I’ve been saying for a while that Russia is almost certain to compete as Russia in LA.

I don’t think we will compete as Russia during this Olympics cycle. Maybe as RGF, since this has happened for other sports. But I think AIN2 is most likely. But it will most likely be a political decision not a sports one.

For those of you not aware, AIN2 is how Russia is designated in team sports and group events. Belarus is AIN1.

Melnikova’s speech and statement were very on brand in that some of the phrases she says were part of the media training that all prominent sports people attended earlier this year. But I believe her nerves and relief to be genuine. Certainly nobody here thought this was a foregone conclusion

 

[Sanzhirovka]

I am sure Melnikova is sincere, I just think she would be extremely uncomfortable in an interview about how to parse children following their dreams in light of, let’s call it kinetic, reality in Ukraine.

And you and I both know Russia will do everything it can to compete as Russia in LA and the current US admin will certainly be amenable to that.

As far the vote, yes, no one was certain . What is certain is UEGs president is pulling for Russia.

Russia was very thankful to him specifically for helping them in the doping commission vote recently. I personally read their Russian messages of thanks to him.

So even if Melnikova is sincere , she is absolutely being used , willingly or otherwise.

 

[KathySantoni]

So…the team/AIN combination confuses me.

Like is Russian Soccer and Hockey competing?

 

[MaryClare]

So…the team/AIN combination confuses me.

Like is Russian Soccer and Hockey competing?

Russian soccer currently competes as Football Union of Russia but is still banned by UEFA and FIFA, which also excludes Russian clubs from club tournaments. Currently they play only friendly matches, including one against North Korea this past week. Individual players are not banned and continue to play for their clubs without restrictions.

Hockey is pretty much the same situation, still banned by the governing body so won’t compete at 2026 Winter Olympics as they haven’t been able to compete in the qualifiers.

 

[ArnoldRimmer]

For those who don't follow football, the world cup is next summer and Russia were excluded from the qualifying process so definitely won't be involved. The next big competition after that is 2028 Euros, which is UEFA rather than FIFA. And the draw for the qualifiers is next week. I don't see how they can participate if they don't get unsuspended by next Saturday.