The journalist asked the minister why, in his opinion, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is “gradually changing its position in favor of Russia and Belarus.”
“It seems fair to start with the fact that for four years there have been no Russian symbols at international competitions. I think that this is an absolutely unprecedented story and the history of modern sports has never known such obstruction,” Bedny replied.
He noted that Russian symbols were not present at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and will not be at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina in 2026.
“In addition to the traditional tools – bribery, blackmail, it must be admitted that the Russians have all the time been very consciously working to increase their influence in international sports organizations. Their number on the boards and in the executive committees is much greater than the presence of Ukrainians. And this is having an effect,” Bedny emphasized.
The minister cited the example of the International Judo Federation, which decided to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in its competitions under their flags.
“The honorary president of this federation was for many years [нелегитимный президент РФ Владимир] Putin. What can we talk about next? There are a bunch of Russians who are present at a high level in international federations and have influence,” he explained.
Bedny also recalled that international sports federations are public organizations.
“It is clear that attention to how they make decisions, under the influence of what factors and incentives has increased today. Increasingly, in the context of Ukraine, issues of proper governance in these international sports federations and transparency are being raised,” the minister emphasized.
He also drew attention to the fact that international federations are interested in sponsors, and the Russian Federation takes advantage of this.
“For example, a Russian delegation comes in and brings with it a sponsor like Gazprom, which can increase the budget of the international sports federation threefold at once. It is clear that everyone wants to go to conferences in some beautiful countries, live in hotels, fly business class,” Bedny explained.
According to him, previously such functionaries generally “restrained themselves, fearing some kind of public censure.”
“Now we see a shift in international politics, we see the policy of the American administration, which is aimed at trying to reconcile, establish normalization and restore Russia as a subject of international relations. These organizations react instantly and with the following: “Phew, perhaps it’s already possible. Let’s try, let’s weaken, let’s finish,” Bedny said.
He agreed that “despite the fact that Russia has been competing under a neutral flag in international competitions for four years, it still retains enormous influence on international sports organizations even under these conditions.”
