Two-time Olympic champion Alexander Kozhevnikov spoke about the situation surrounding SKA player Mikhail Vorobyov, who admitted to purchasing a military ID. Kozhevnikov’s remarks were shared with Pair TV, providing insight into the public stance on the matter.
Kozhevnikov praised Vorobyov’s natural talent on the ice while suggesting that agents have a duty to protect their athletes. He added that it is not his place to wade into the dispute, noting that those involved knew the risks. He emphasized that the incident constitutes a crime and hinted that new legislation may be necessary. He also proposed the creation of sports management structures that would safeguard players from such concerns, allowing them to focus on their development and performance.
The hockey star admitted guilt during a meeting in Ufa. On August 10, three bribery cases involving former Ufa Salavat Yulaev players Mikhail Vorobyov, Vladislav Lukin and Anvar Suleymanov were scheduled for review.
The Lukin case hearing was postponed to September 22 due to the lawyer’s absence. Suleymanov’s trial was moved to August 25 because a key witness was under house arrest, delaying testimony.
According to the updates, Vorobyov and Suleymanov could face up to 12 years in prison. They also could incur fines amounting to up to 60 times the value of the bribe, reflecting the severity of bribery charges in professional sports circles.
Former SKA coach Roman Rotenberg commented on the information surrounding the alleged purchase of military tickets by Vorobyov, calling it fake attributions and stressing the need for careful verification of such claims before drawing conclusions.