The Russian Anti-Doping Agency Explains When Kamila Valieva Could Appeаr in Ice Shows During Disqualification
The press service of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, commonly known as RUSADA, clarified the conditions under which Kamila Valieva might take part in ice shows while a disqualification is in effect. The clarification appeared in coverage by Sports Express. The statement from RUSADA emphasized that any involvement with Valieva by her team would not automatically trigger accusations of prohibited cooperation if the athlete’s staff did not perform duties that would implicate them. At the same time, the organization warned that taking part in a show could carry its own risks for the athlete.
The agency noted that if show organizers engage certain organizations, this could breach the terms of the disqualification. In such a case, the period of disqualification could be doubled. This point was highlighted by a spokesperson who cautioned promoters and participants to adhere to the established restrictions.
On January 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS, ruled that Valieva bore responsibility for a doping violation and imposed a disqualification on the athlete. CAS later published its reasoning on February 7. The Russian side argued that the prohibited substance had entered Valieva’s system through a dessert prepared by her grandfather, and that medicines used during the cooking process might have contaminated the food. These claims were presented as part of the broader dispute over the athlete’s exposure to prohibited substances.
Valieva had previously earned gold in the team event at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing as a member of the Russian national team. Following the competition, the International Skating Union, ISU, reviewed the results and decided to strip the team of its gold medals. This decision contributed to ongoing debate about eligibility, responsibility, and the enforcement of anti-doping rules within the sport.
In related developments, reports noted that Valieva’s long-time coach and the Eteri Tutberidze team faced changes in their public presence. Posters featuring Valieva were taken down from some show advertisements, signaling shifts in promotional strategies and public messaging around the athlete.
These events reflect the complex balance between an athlete’s competitive history and the governance rules that shape sports integrity. They also underscore how swiftly governing bodies, legal authorities, event organizers, and media narratives must navigate questions of compliance, fairness, and accountability. Marked citations: official statements from RUSADA and CAS, ISU decisions, and contemporary reporting provide the framework for understanding how disqualification rules interact with public performances and promotional activities.