Idman.biz
The Russian Figure Skating Federation (RFSF) has submitted a non-existent contract with figure skater Veronika Zhilina to the International Skating Union (ISU).
This was reported to Idman.biz by a source familiar with the situation regarding the failure to secure the Russian athlete's transfer to the Azerbaijani national team.
On Tuesday, Russian media reported that despite the athlete having Azerbaijani citizenship, not competing in Russia for the past two seasons, and the neighboring country's federation paying all debts, the ISU has banned Veronika Zhilina from joining the Azerbaijani national team.
According to the source, the federation submitted a supposedly valid contract with Zhilina to the ISU, but in reality, there is no such agreement between the athlete and the parties. In addition, it was reported that despite sanctions related to the military conflict in Ukraine, the RFSF still has the power to influence ISU decisions.
It was also emphasized that the deterioration of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia plays an important role in the Russians' obstinacy. For the same reason, the RFSF is preventing another figure skater from joining the Azerbaijani national team. Although the name was not disclosed, it is noted that she has Azerbaijani roots.
As for Veronika Zhilina, Azerbaijan will not give up on her transfer. In the near future, a lawyer from the United States is expected to join the case and resolve the issue legally.
It should be noted that the first stage of the Junior Grand Prix in figure skating will be held in Baku in September this year, with the participation of the ISU leadership, for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani side intends to negotiate with her regarding Zhilina during that period.
Teymur Tushiyev
Idman.biz
