“The European Volleyball Championship without the Russian team lost a lot of spectators” – Tetyukhin

The European Men’s Volleyball Championship has lost a large number of spectators, since the Russian team does not participate in this tournament, the general manager of the Russian team told . Sergei Tetiukhin .

On Monday, the European Championship started in Italy, Bulgaria, Israel and North Macedonia. The Russian national team has been suspended from international competitions due to the situation in Ukraine.

– How interested are you in the European Championship without the Russian team?

– Insofar as. In any case, we are monitoring it. Talents appear in other teams, volleyball without us is always interesting to watch. But without our participation, I think there will be a large influx of spectators, including Russian fans. Anyway, the interest in the European Championship is no longer the same as before. Without Russia, it’s not the same volleyball.

– In other words, without the Russian team, victory in this tournament would not be particularly fair?

– For God’s sake! It is clear that we are still the favourites, too. We now have the most talented generation of volleyball players in recent times. It’s a shame that these guys can’t show their skills in international competitions. It’s a really competitive team that can fight for the top spots anywhere. But not only do we lose with this suspension, but the sport of the world also loses a lot. I hope that there will be even more intelligent people, that reason will prevail – and that these borders will be opened for Russian sport, – Tetyukhin told .