Tarasova demanded an apology from Tutberidze for slander
The season in Russian figure skating has ended, yet the off season remains quiet rather than sizzling.
In the latest episode of the program Life and Destiny on the TV channel Russia 1, Tatyana Tarasova once again raised the controversial topic of Kamila Valieva’s doping case. The tests showed the presence of the prohibited substance trimetazidine, which led to Valieva being disqualified for four years.
Tarasova argued that if Valieva were in a similar situation, she would likely resume her career after the end of the disqualification period because she believes the skater is not guilty of the events that occurred.
Known as the Honored Coach of the USSR, Tarasova suggested that the young athlete could have received the banned substance only from a trusted member of the coaching staff. She claimed it is not the athlete’s fault, insisting there was no knowledge or discovery of such a substance in the coach’s possession. She emphasized that athletes do not obtain pills from doctors and that a coach has a decisive role in providing anything to a young skater.
Tarasova’s comments implied that the coaching staff is indispensable in the process, and she questioned how children could procure medication without a coach’s involvement. She concluded that the situation could not proceed without a coach being involved. Her statements drew a strong response from Valieva’s head coach, Eteri Tutberidze, who accused Tarasova of slander on social media and demanded a public apology.
“I want to ignore it to avoid being stained, but this is deliberate slander and false accusation. Tatyana Anatolyevna, I expect an official apology from you,” Tutberidze wrote.
Tarasova replied with irony and said she would apologize only if there is evidence showing how the doping entered Valieva’s body in another manner. She stated to TASS that she would gladly apologize if such evidence were presented.
WADA could not prove Tutberidze’s guilt
The World Anti-Doping Agency, known as WADA, found no evidence linking Tutberidze or any coach to Valieva’s doping case. The agency also expressed doubt that the then 15-year-old skater could have independently decided to use trimetazidine. They noted that the individual responsible for the incident had not been punished. This summary comes from AP News through WADA President Witold Banka.
Veronika Loginova, the General Director of RUSADA, in an interview stated that the investigation of Valieva’s instructors was limited to voluntary participation since the organization does not have enforcement powers. She added that the involvement of any athletic staff had not been established at that time.
Tarasova may face a fine of 1 million rubles
Criminal lawyer Maxim Kalinov suggested that Tarasova could face a substantial fine if found guilty of slander. He explained that it could fall under the second part of Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code, which covers slander or public slander in media, carrying penalties of up to 1 million rubles or imprisonment for up to two years. He stressed that prison time is unlikely in this case.
Even if a court finds Tarasova at fault, Kalinov believes the fine would likely be minimal. He also noted that Tutberidze might face challenges if she seeks legal action, suggesting a low probability that any case would be registered. In his view, Tarasova is expressing her opinion and perspective rather than presenting a de facto accusation. The use of the word may in her statements is seen as an assumption rather than a definitive claim. He concluded that the incident does not constitute slander or harm to another person’s commercial reputation, making a lawsuit unlikely to yield damages.