“Priorities are being revised”: Matytsin on the effect of coronavirus on sports, preparation for OI and criticism of Drachev

Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin spoke about the situation in Russian sports in connection with the epidemic of coronavirus. According to him, at the moment, an important task is to support athletes and specialists who are deprived of the opportunity to participate in competitions and fully train. To a greater extent, we are talking about representatives of the summer Olympic disciplines, since the transfer of the Games to Tokyo made significant adjustments to the process of their preparation.

“Only together we can overcome all difficulties, and I really hope for the solidarity of the sports community. Russia has been and remains a reliable partner, we are always ready to lend a helping hand and study the experience of our colleagues in the fight against coronavirus and the methods of protecting athletes ... The main priority is the health of our colleagues, children, everyone who works in our industry, ”Matytsin emphasized during the press conference.

The Minister noted that sports stars help to convey to people the importance of observing the precautions that the authorities introduce. The head of the department thanked the athletes who in their accounts on social networks talk about the need to continue to play sports even in such difficult times.

“First of all, they should be healthy, in conditions of isolation, demonstrate optimism through physical education and sports, demonstrate sports solidarity. This is our pride, young people are guided by them, and if we see optimism in the eyes of great athletes, this inspires hope for a bright future for the sports and Olympic movement, ”said Matytsin.

According to the estimates of the Ministry of Sports, in total, more than 1000 tournaments were suspended or canceled in Russia, 31 of them at the international level. The Minister thanked the leaders of professional leagues, including football, hockey and basketball, for meeting and also not continuing to compete, despite significant losses and image risks.

At the same time, he emphasized that the department is doing everything possible to resume sporting events as soon as possible as soon as the coronavirus ceases to pose a danger to the population. For this, the Ministry of Sports is already actively working with the federations to adjust the calendar. In addition, Russia is ready to help with the organization of international competitions

“We have already sent proposals to the Russian sports federations, so that they contact their foreign colleagues and report that if there is a need for help in organizing the competitions, which were canceled, we will be ready to consider the possibility of organizing these events here. In particular, we are talking about qualifications for the 2021 Games, ”said Matytsin.

The minister also commented on the situation with the preparation of athletes for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

“Athletes who have won the right to speak at the Games will retain this right. As for the adjustment of the rosters, this is the responsibility of the coaches of the teams and the heads of the federations. We made our own adjustments, bearing in mind the timing of opening the bases when the training process resumes, ”he explained.

According to Matytsin, the Ministry of Sports continues to intend to provide support to state structures and ensure the functioning of sports schools and national teams. At the same time, he emphasized that financing of professional clubs is not within the competence of the department. Therefore, the leaders of such organizations themselves decide questions regarding the salaries of athletes.

“Some regions have directed funds to support clubs, but we see recent examples that are taking place against the backdrop of crises. Priorities are being revised. First of all, we must protect people for whom sport is not a profession in terms of profit. In this difficult period, there will probably be a lot of points on the reorganization of the sports system in Russia, which we will have to rethink, ”said the Minister.

Another important process that can be affected by the coronavirus epidemic is consideration of the appeal of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) to the decision of WADA to remove the Russian Federation from participation in major international competitions. It was assumed that the case submitted to the Lausanne Sports Arbitration Court (CAS) would be considered before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Matytsin did not make predictions about his outcome, but expressed the hope that all parties will realize the importance of cooperation.

“In this difficult period, we show our intention to consolidate even more, we show Russia's intention to be represented on the international scene, to provide assistance and to conduct competitions. Leaders of international organizations and judges must understand that we are now living in completely different realities, and this crisis in relations should come to an end and open a new page. The future belongs to pure sports, but at the same time there must be respect for Russia as a long-term partner that provides assistance to international sports, ”the politician is sure.

Matytsin did not make a forecast when Russian sport could fully return to its previous course, and urged him to wait for the end of the epidemic.

“You see that the situation has not yet reached a peak, according to authorities and professionals. We hope that this process will normalize by summer or summer, and then we will build plans and forecasts for overcoming the crisis, ”the official added.

In addition, Matytsin shared his opinion about the scandal in the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU). On April 1, a number of reputable athletes, coaches and other specialists called on Federation President Vladimir Drachev to resign. A letter criticizing his activities was at the disposal of the media.

The day before, the Minister of Sports met with the head of the RRF and recommended that he temporarily impose a moratorium on communication in this format, and solve all issues in the format of conferences.

“The initiator of the meeting was me, being concerned about the situation in the Russian biathlon. This applies not only to the results, but also to the interaction with athletes, coaches, regions, the role of the leader in this process ... Thus, it is impossible to constructively address the development of one of the most beloved and popular sports in the country. I recommended Drachev an open dialogue with all interested parties, ”said Matytsin.