The Russian Investigative Committee has announced that a formal inquiry has begun into an incident involving the Rossiya-24 television crew and the All-Russian Sports Federation for the Deaf office located in Moscow. The department’s press service confirmed this development.
According to statements from the Investigative Committee, a television report described how security personnel at the federation’s capital office allegedly used force against the film team. The reporters were seeking clarification on the federation’s activities and the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to understand why athletes might not have received certain payments that were promised as prize money.
The issue centers on the claim that the federation leadership demanded a portion of prize money from athletes in exchange for participation in competitions. The publication notes this allegation as part of the story aired by the channel, prompting questions about governance and financial practices within the federation.
In response to the incident, oversight authorities are conducting inspections to determine what happened and to assess any broader implications for the federation’s operations. The leadership of the Investigative Committee has directed the head of Moscow’s central investigative body to report on the results of the inquiry and any findings that arise from the audit process.
Earlier remarks by the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, highlighted a concern about systemic abuses affecting participants and their rights. The ongoing review is described as a step toward clarifying the sequence of events, the roles of individuals involved, and the overall governance framework governing the federation.
This developing story underscores the challenges faced by sports organizations in maintaining transparent financial practices and safeguarding the interests of athletes who compete under federation banners. As the investigation progresses, observers are watching for detailed findings on the handling of prize funds, the treatment of media teams, and the safeguards in place to prevent coercive practices in the pursuit of participation opportunities.