Malkhaz Asatiani, a former football player known for his time with Lokomotiv Moscow and his contributions to the Georgian national team, voiced support for Russian athletes returning to international competition during an interview on Match TV. He spoke about the importance of allowing athletes to compete on the world stage despite political disagreements between nations, emphasizing that sports and politics should be kept separate in the arena of athletic excellence.
Asatiani argued that banning athletes from competing abroad undermines the broader spirit of sport. He suggested that ordinary fans should not bear the burden of political differences and that a constructive path forward would help foster better relations across levels of society. He stressed that athletes compete to showcase skill and dedication, not to advance political agendas.
He expressed a hopeful view that relations between his country and others could improve at every level and that Russian athletes should have the opportunity to participate in international events again. He noted that athletes do not determine political outcomes and should be judged by their performance and hard work rather than government actions. He drew a comparison by recalling how American athletes have continued to compete despite historical complexities, arguing that sport should rise above political friction and focus on fair play and mutual respect.
Asatiani, now 42 years old, had a notable chapter in his career with Lokomotiv Moscow from 2003 to 2010 and earned the distinction of becoming a Russian champion with the club in 2004. His experiences as a player in one of Europe’s prominent leagues shape his perspective on the value of international competition and cross-cultural sharing through sport.
The global football landscape has faced significant shifts in recent years. In the 2020s, governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA made strategic decisions regarding participation by teams from specific regions in international competitions. In spring 2022, both FIFA and UEFA suspended the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their jurisdiction. From that point, Russian clubs and the national team engaged primarily in friendly matches against foreign opponents, a measure intended to balance competitive integrity with broader geopolitical considerations.
Among former referees and officials, commentary has varied regarding the balance between officiating standards and the level of competition among leagues in Europe. Some have highlighted Russia’s top leagues as integral to the sport’s development in the region, while others have emphasized reforms and modernization needed to align with international norms. The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader conversation about how sports governance can adapt to evolving political realities while preserving competitive quality and fair play for players at all levels.