“I wonder how the board will explain my failure”: Drachev will compete with Maygurov for the post of president of the SBR

“RRF is not one person, it is a group of like-minded people”

On Thursday, June 25, the deadline for the possibility of nominating candidates for the post of president of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) expires. Extraordinary elections initiated by board members will be held on July 11. The current head of the organization, Vladimir Drachev, confirmed that he intends to be re-elected to this position.

“He nominated himself to become twice president,” TASS quoted Drachev as saying.

He added that at the reporting and election conference he intends to submit a report on the work done, and also expressed hope that the board members will do the same, as they also have responsibility for the crisis in the Russian biathlon.

“If I am so bad, then I’m even wondering how those who want new elections will explain my failure, taking themselves out of action. After all, the SBR is not one person, it is a group of like-minded people, and each of the number of this group carried a certain functionality. In particular, Viktor Maigurov, receiving a considerable salary, was responsible for the international direction with the International Biathlon Union (IBU), and they blame me for the failure of this work, ”said Drachev to RIA Novosti.

Drachev was elected president of the RRF for a four-year term in May 2018. After the end of the 2019/20 season, voices of dissatisfied with his activities actively sounded. In particular, a letter was published on behalf of a number of reputable athletes, coaches and other specialists who accused the functionary of not fulfilling campaign promises. He was also charged with inability to establish contacts with international and domestic sports organizations, the unstable financial situation of the union, a conservative approach to the training process, as well as the deterioration of the results of the national team.

In April, a conflict arose between Drachev and members of the Board of the RBU against the backdrop of the formation of a new coaching staff. As a result, early elections were initiated, and many experts called on him to voluntarily leave his post.

At the moment, it is known that the vice-president of the RBU, Viktor Maigurov, will become Drachev’s rival in the presidential race. First, his nomination was announced in the Biathlon Federation of the Moscow Region, and then the functionary himself confirmed his intention. At the same time, he emphasized that he did not have a goal to take a leading position.

“But in the current difficult situation, I believe that with the support of my associates and your trust, I will be able to take optimal steps to quickly bring the union out of the crisis that has developed over the past six months. I’m ready to personally communicate with representatives of each regional federation and answer all important questions before the conference, ”Maigurov quotes the organization’s official website.

Maigurov has been on the board of the RRF since 2012. In the last election, he was also the main opponent of Drachev. At the same time, both candidates were supported by an almost equal number of delegates, and therefore the vote had to be held in three stages. Now the current chapter has more opponents than supporters. In their opinion, a three-time world champion is the best option in this situation.

It is worth noting that Maigurov was one of those who spoke in favor of holding early elections. Drachev himself refused to comment on the nomination of his candidacy.

The voting is attended by delegates from regional organizations. In accordance with the regulations, the head of the RRF must score 2/3 of the vote. It is known that Maigurov has already enlisted the support of representatives of the Moscow, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous and Novgorod Regions. At the same time, the Biathlon Federation of the Tomsk Region reported that they would not vote for him. Their position was also indicated in Tatarstan. Local functionaries opposed Drachev to continue his activities.

Another candidate for the post of head of the RBU could be the head of the Biathlon Federation of St. Petersburg Dmitry Vasiliev. However, the functionary himself emphasized that he did not have sufficient funds to lead the Russian biathlon out of the crisis, and therefore did not intend to participate in the elections.

“I want to work”

In addition to the election of the head of the SBR, on July 11 a new composition of the board of the SBR will be approved. The Moscow Biathlon Federation has nominated two-time Olympic champion Olga Zaitseva.

“I want to work. The decision is mine and the federation. We had an extraordinary general meeting, my candidacy was put forward. Any other person could go, but they offered me. Then we will wait for the results of the vote, ”said Zaitseva.

This caused a mixed reaction. The fact is that in December 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) found the biathlete guilty of violating anti-doping rules. Scratches were found on test tubes with its samples, and examination showed an increased salt content. Zaitseva was deprived of silver in the Olympic Games in Sochi, and also received a lifelong disqualification. She is currently contesting this decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (CAS).

Margarita Pakhnotskaya, Deputy Director General of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), said that nominating an athlete suspected of using illegal drugs would be a “step back” for the SBR.

“What sign does the Russian biathlon give to the world? What his words once again diverge from deeds? And I do not understand why people are trying to weaken the position of the whole country in this very difficult period for it. I believe that you should first wait for the CAS decision, and then think about the nomination, ”said Pakhnotskaya.