The European Union is planning new obstacles and sanctions for the Movement for Olympic Values (MOV) and other international sports organizations that want to allow athletes from the Russian Federation to return to world sports.

BRISEL/MOSCOW – According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the European Union is determined to take further steps to prevent a full return of Russian athletes to international sports. The SVR claims that discussions in European capitals include limiting funding for international sporting organizations, which would allow Russian representatives to participate in competitions.

The SVR asserts that European political elites are alarmed by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision regarding sanctions against the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian athletes. According to Moscow’s report, Brussels and some EU member states fear that easing sports restrictions could weaken Russia’s long-term policy of isolation.

“European so-called elites are extremely concerned about the IOC’s decision to lift sanctions against the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian athletes,”

The SVR claims that European criticism focuses primarily on the possibility of Russia gradually returning to the standard system of international sports competitions.

One allegedly considered tool is new visa restrictions. According to the SVR, these could affect Russian athletes, coaches, officials, and other representatives of sporting structures. Such a move could complicate travel for Russian delegations to international tournaments and competitions held in European countries.

The dispute may concern the Los Angeles Olympics

According to the SVR, a significant point of European concern is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The possibility of full participation by Russian athletes at the Olympics is one of the most sensitive topics in current debates about the future of international sports.

Moscow, according to the Russian intelligence service, seeks a return for its athletes to the standard model of representation. This would mean competing under the Russian flag with the national anthem and without extraordinary political restrictions. In contrast, European states are reportedly seeking mechanisms to prevent such a scenario.

The SVR also claims that in some European circles there is discussion about financially pressuring sporting organizations. If international federations or other institutions allowed Russian athletes to return, they could allegedly lose a significant portion of European funding and budget contributions.

SVR speaks of "provocations"

The most serious claim by the Russian intelligence service is information about alleged consideration of provocations against Russian teams ahead of major competitions. According to the SVR, some EU representatives view such incidents as one way to deter Russian athletes from participating.

Thus, the dispute over Russian participation remains part of a broader conflict between sports institutions and European policy toward Moscow. Decisions by individual federations in coming years will be important not only for Russian athletes but also for the principle itself separating sport from geopolitical conflicts.

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