Vasiliev: “If an athlete changes his nationality, he must fully compensate for financial investments”

Athletistic/Other. Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Dmitry Vasiliev has backed a bill that requires Russian athletes to pay compensation if they change nationality. The bill is being developed by the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports.

Vasiliev spoke in favor of this idea, saying that if an athlete decides to change his nationality, then he must return to the state all the financial investments that have been made for his training over the years. These investments were made by the state, not by individuals, as is the practice in the West, where the athletes themselves or their parents assume the costs. Vasiliev thinks such a rule is fair, given the huge government spending on athletes.

The former biathlete notes that the desire to change citizenship is mainly shown by athletes who are not part of the Russian team. In other countries, they have new opportunities to participate in international competitions without complicated qualifications. However, Vasilyev points out that the departure of the leaders of the national team is a rare event, especially in subjective sports. Regardless of the citizenship acquired by Russian athletes, they will always be perceived as Russians and will be treated accordingly. Vasiliev thinks the decision to leave can be difficult and expressed the opinion that it is better for athletes to stay in their home country.

• Zhurova: “I don’t see how an athlete can be forced to pay compensation. There is no bill”