Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening of a new set of sports facilities and used the moment to urge a broader correction of the Russian Olympic Committee’s work. He called for greater efficiency, clearer governance, and a sharper focus on performance at home and on the world stage. He noted that a period of testing and review is underway and that the ROC must adapt its structures and practices to meet contemporary expectations in international sport. The president underscored that the reforms should help raise Russia’s entire Olympic program, encourage higher standards across all levels, and strengthen the trust of athletes, federations, fans, and partners around the globe. While acknowledging known problems, he emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue with international partners and investing effort into joint projects that can move Russian sport forward.
Speaking at the same event, Putin stressed that despite the obstacles already seen, it is essential to expand international cooperation and to work with all relevant partners. He pointed to the broader role of sport as a bridge between nations, a channel for youth development, and a platform for peaceful competition. The remarks suggested readiness to engage with global sporting bodies, while calling for reforms within the ROC to ensure compliance with international norms and transparency. The aim, as described by the president, is to maintain Russia’s active participation in major events, while honoring commitments that reflect the values of fair play and equal opportunity for athletes.
On October 15, Stanislav Pozdnyakov announced his resignation from the presidency of the Russian Olympic Committee. He indicated that the ROC’s leadership would move toward a transition and that the executive committee would support the proposal when it meets on November 7 to approve a plan and set a date for an Olympic meeting to select a new head of the organization. Until that date, Pozdnyakov, the executive committee, and the ROC apparatus would continue to carry out their duties, ensuring continuity and orderly management of ongoing programs and preparations for upcoming competitions. The statements reflected a period of anticipated change in the ROC’s governance as the federation prepared for a new leadership phase.
Historically, the international body landscape has shaped how Russian and Belarusian athletes compete on the world stage. In February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued a call to international federations asking for restrictions on participation by athletes from Russia and Belarus. Later, towards the end of 2023, the IOC announced that Russians and Belarusians could compete at the 2024 Olympic Games as neutral athletes, provided they met a set of conditions and qualified through the standard processes. In this arrangement, medals earned by neutral competitors were not counted in the unofficial medal tally, reflecting the separate status of their participation. These decisions have played a significant role in the strategic planning of the ROC and its athletes as they prepared for future events.
Earlier, Dmitry Guberniev had stated that he saw himself as a suitable candidate to lead the ROC. His public remarks placed him among the potential contenders in discussions about the federation’s future leadership, a topic that has generated interest within sports circles and the broader public. The ongoing discussions and potential leadership change have left observers watching closely to understand how the ROC will navigate the transition while continuing to support athletes and uphold Russia’s presence in international sport.