The president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, Elena Vyalbe, responded with strong bluntness to remarks made by Vasily Berezutsky, a former CSKA and Russian national team football player. Berezutsky urged Russian athletes to compete under other flags in the name of development, a point he had raised in an interview that was cited by Sports24.
Vyalbe did not mince words. She labeled Berezutsky with a harsh epithet and suggested that the media should ignore such statements. Her response conveyed a clear stance: let him live wherever he chooses, whether in Spain or elsewhere, and let others keep watch from a distance as events unfold. The tone reflected a broader concern about loyalty to national sport and the impact of comments that could influence public perception and support for home teams.
Berezutsky had told a journalist that if an athlete truly wants to compete at the highest level and achieve meaningful results, a decisive move abroad is essential. He contrasted that with simply earning money by playing, asserting that the specific country or flag is less important than the chance to win. This sentiment touched on a longstanding debate about national representation, opportunity, and the criteria athletes use when deciding where to pursue their careers.
Records note that in 2023 Berezutsky and his family relocated to Spain, aligning with his assertion about seeking new opportunities abroad. During his time with CSKA Moscow from 2002 to 2018, he wore the club colors as a central figure, earning multiple domestic titles, including six Russian championships and seven National Cups, along with a UEFA Cup victory. He announced his retirement in 2018, marking the end of a prominent chapter in Russian football history.
Within the political sphere, Berezutsky faced official scrutiny in the State Duma, where he was labeled a traitor by some factions who called for the surrender of his Russian passport. The episode highlighted the tensions that can arise when athletes are perceived as crossing national lines or engaging in actions that provoke strong national sentiment. The discussion underscored the sensitive nature of national allegiance in sport and the potential consequences that public statements can carry for athletes and their families.