Russian rider Konstantin Zhiltsov said he had not yet been allowed to participate in the Dakar rally under another nationality, and assured that under no circumstances would he sign anti-Russian documents.
Earlier it was reported that to be admitted to the Dakar Rally, riders must sign a statement condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine. Zhiltsov previously told that he changed his sporting citizenship so he could compete in the Dakar. According to , the 57-year-old sailor will compete under the flag of Israel.
– I was offered to sign these papers, and I was one of the first to be categorically against this story. We have appealed to lawyers, the Ministry of Sports and the Federation of Motorsports in order to avoid this incorrect behavior by all means. We spoke with the deputy head of the International Automobile Federation. They asked why they were making fun of us and dragging us into politics. Then everything continues the same way. They try to drag us into political games. Sport should be out of politics.
I have a second nationality, I do not hide it. And having such an opportunity, I really want to play sports, but at the same time I am still a Russian citizen and I will not refuse a Russian passport. You understand that I will always participate in Russian tournaments. I will have a Russian license, and I will continue all my life, like the last 20 years, to perform under the Russian flag. It’s just that now, purely mechanically, there is no way to do sport without another sporting citizenship.
I understand that they attack me because I am a traitor to the fatherland. But I know what’s going on in my heart. I believe that professional athletes who want to do this should not be condemned. Also, in no way am I going to speak on behalf of countries that are against Russia or are sanctions.
No one has allowed me to take part in the Dakar rally yet. I want to participate, but this problem is not solved yet. It is not a fact that when I appear there they will force me to sign this paper. Under no circumstances will I sign it.
Did you say you know what’s in your heart? So what?
– I feel sadness in my heart, because as an athlete I want to participate in competitions, but unfortunately I cannot do it with the flag of Russia and our symbols. This process has started since the time of the doping scandals. We weren’t allowed to compete at the top level as Russians for a long time, and then there’s the Dakar paperwork story. It’s ridiculous to talk about it, – Zhiltsov said on the air of the show “There is a theme!” on the channel.
Source : MatchTV
