Acting President of the All-Russian Athletics Federation Irina Privalova in an interview with , she recounted the situation with the VFLA’s deprivation of World Athletics membership.
On March 1, 2022, the World Athletics Association (World Athletics) banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions. The All-Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA) has been stripped of its World Athletics membership since 2015 due to a large-scale doping scandal. From then on, Russian athletes could participate in international competitions only after obtaining neutral status.
– One of the tasks entrusted to you was surely the restoration of the VFLA in the world of athletics. How is this process going?
– As far as our work is concerned, it is progressing. Now practically nothing depends on us. It all depends on external factors that are beyond our control.
“You mean the political aspect?”
– Yes. I don’t think anything depends on World Athletics in this matter anymore.
– And in theory, there is a scenario in which ARAF will be restored to its rights, but Russian athletes will not yet be allowed to start?
– Exist. Everything is possible.
– What do you personally hope for?
I’m cautiously optimistic about this.
Source : MatchTV
