The Russian Foreign Ministry opposed the non-admission of Israeli athletes to the competition

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said it was unacceptable to politicize sports in relation to Israeli athletes. She made the corresponding statement on November 1 on the Match TV channel.

"We give an assessment of what Israel is doing, a true assessment of what is happening in Gaza, but at the same time we say that there should be no politicization of athletes in any case," she said.

Zakharova noted that Russia consistently opposes double standards in sports. According to her, when some countries demand tougher measures against Russian athletes, they "go beyond the bounds of reason."

In addition, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry recalled the importance of observing international charters, declarations and resolutions in the field of sports.

"For some reason, I have a hunch that Israeli football will not be banned"

RFU Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov — on the possible reaction to events in the Middle East, the double standards of FIFA and UEFA and the decision to leave Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the RPL

Maxim Mitrofanov, General Secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said on October 11 that he supported the decision of the International Football Federation (FIFA) not to suspend Israeli teams from international tournaments. However, Mitrofanov pointed out that FIFA's actions should be consistent, so the next step would be to allow Russian football clubs to participate in international competitions again.

FIFA match Director Alisher Nikimbayev said on October 7 that the organization's decision on the issue of Israel's exclusion from football tournaments depends on the position of the United States. The expert noted that the United States is Israel's only remaining ally. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that politics affects football, adding that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is trying to maintain good relations with US President Donald Trump, which influences the decisions of the organization.

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