Jourova: “In Valieva’s case, there was a political order”

Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Olympic champion in speed skating Svetlana Jourova thinks it’s the figure skater’s business Kamila Valieva – this is a political order, she also noted that the athlete will not enjoy a quiet life in the years to come.

On January 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) suspended Valieva for four years for violating anti-doping rules and deprived her of all awards won since December 25, 2021. The 17-year-old athlete’s suspension led to a review of the results of the team tournament of the 2022 Olympic Games, where the Russian team won. First place is now awarded to the American team, the Japanese are second and the Russians will receive bronze.

— The CAS resource has been exhausted, you can take legal action before the ordinary courts for procedural defects. The Olympic Committee said we could also challenge for the medal in the team event. For example, the Americans managed to win in such stories.

I fear that international organizations are unlikely to side with Kamila. They are convinced and try to manipulate this subject. If we appeal, they will delay all the processes. It will only benefit them if we appeal. And there is a dilemma. On the one hand, we will protect Valieva’s interests. But on the other hand, all this will be on the agenda again, (international organizations) will say that it is always our fault. They will also monitor Camila’s performance in official competitions, if this happens – we understand the consequences.

They will not leave Valieva behind, she will not be given a peaceful life. How many microdoses have been forgiven in the last 10 years? This didn’t even reach the press, everything was decided calmly internally. In the case of Valieva, there was a political order, they became addicted to her, international organizations are trying to get as much as possible from it,” Zhurova said, as quoted by Betonmobile.