Russian Embassy Criticizes CAS Ruling on Kamila Valieva amid US Media Pressure
The Russian Embassy in the United States has criticized the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS decision to disqualify figure skater Kamila Valieva, arguing that an atmosphere of hostility toward Russia has intensified within American sports journalism and coverage. The embassy shared its perspective through its Telegram channel, where officials described the CAS ruling as part of a broader, hostile campaign against Russian athletes.
The embassy spokesperson said that the situation embodies what is described as an ongoing hybrid war campaign led by Western observers against the Russian Federation. Local authorities, according to the statement, have allegedly leaned on sports federations to bar Russian athletes from major events, especially when the athletes would perform under the Russian tricolor. The message asserted that this pressure aims to disrupt several high-profile Russian sports initiatives, including the Future Games, BRICS Sports Games, and World Friendship Games, thereby shaping opportunities for competition in a way that disadvantages Russian teams.
Concerning Valieva, CAS suspended her for four years starting December 25, 2021, following the discovery of trimetazidine in a sample she submitted at the Russian Championships. The court’s findings became publicly clear during the 2022 Olympic cycle, after Russia’s victory in the team event. The decision, while formal in its disciplinary outcome, was presented by CAS as a measure that allowed Valieva to continue competing in the individual event under strict conditions: she could not receive an award during the ceremony if she won a medal. Valieva led after the short program but faced several significant missteps in the free skate, which ultimately prevented a podium finish and left her in fourth place overall.
Looking ahead, the future assignments and medals of the Olympic team picture will be determined by the International Skating Union Council in its February meeting. The council’s decision could alter the medal standings if the Russian team is stripped of the gold. In such a scenario, the United States would receive gold, Japan silver, and Canada bronze in the team event standings, according to the projected outcomes discussed by various sports observers and officials.
Within political discourse surrounding the case, Valieva’s situation has been cited by some as emblematic of broader governmental and parliamentary responses to the incident. A reference from the State Duma has labeled the case as part of special operations against Russia, signaling the intertwining of sport with wider geopolitical narratives and domestic political responses to international sports governance decisions. This framing reflects efforts to connect the Valieva case with broader concerns about international competition, sanctions, and the role of sport in national prestige. Such connections have been noted in state-level commentary as part of ongoing discussions about Russia’s standing in international sports and the outcomes of CAS proceedings, as reported by multiple channels and official statements aimed at a domestic audience. The evolving status of the case continues to generate discussion among fans, officials, and commentators who watch closely how CAS rulings, ISU governance, and national reactions interact on the global stage.