The organizers of the race in Italy explained the admission of skier Bolshunov apolitics

The admission of three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov to the Moonlight Classic race in Italy is due to the apolitical nature of the organizers. This was reported on February 11 in the press service of the organizing committee of the competition.

"In a sporting context, we must realize the difference between the views of athletes and political views. <...> Sport should be a space of justice, respect and international understanding, which in our time are needed more than ever," the organizers told TASS.

The organizing committee stressed that the Moonlight Classic team distances itself from political polemics. It is noted that there may be concerns about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Bolshunov is listed as a participant in the 30 km race, which will be held on Thursday, February 13, in Italy.

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Earlier on February 8, Russian Football Union (RFU) President Alexander Dyukov said he believes in the return of Russian national teams to international tournaments in his new term in office.

On February 5, Maxim Mitrofanov, secretary general of the RFU Ethics Committee, said that some members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Football Federation (FIFA) may have changed their rhetoric regarding the Russians' return to international competitions. He expressed hope that the increased work would lead to the return of the Russian national team as early as 2025.

On February 28, 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended national teams and clubs from Russia from participating in all competitions under the auspices of the organizations. As assured in the organizations, soccer will become "a vector of unity and peace between nations" in case the situation around Ukraine improves.