Former Dynamo Kyiv head coach Valery Gazzaev believes that Russia is a "great power" and therefore its athletes should not act as neutrals in international competitions.
Valery Gazzaev- Neutral status is, in my opinion, an empty space, nothing. Even such humiliating conditions will not allow the IOC to resolve the issue of participation of our athletes in the Olympics. A coalition of countries has formed that will be categorically against the Russians at the Games. I think that such a great sports country should go to the Olympics and international tournaments not in a neutral status, but in the status of a great power.
It is unlikely that we will be given the opportunity to go to Paris. My opinion is that we need to think about and discuss holding alternative tournaments that would be of a high level and quality. Because nothing good will come of it," local media quoted Gazzaev as saying.
