Mikhail Biryukov said it is impossible to defeat blat in Russian hockey
Two-time world champion Mikhail Biryukov stated that it is impossible to defeat blat in Russian hockey. His words are quoted by Sports Weekend.
According to him, one can only minimize the negative consequences of this phenomenon. “I know organizations where this is inevitable. Either you accept the rules of the game from the very top, from those who pay salaries, or you don’t work there. But, if you agreed, then the most important thing is not to forget to develop young guys,” Biryukov said.
Earlier, the head coach of St. Petersburg SKA Roman Rotenberg called for children who got into hockey through connections to be kicked out. The specialist said that improper commercialization should not be allowed in sports, in particular in children’s sports.
Biryukov, as part of the Russian national team, became world champion in 2008 and 2012. The goalkeeper ended his playing career in 2017; since 2024, he has held the position of sports director at the St. Petersburg hockey club Dynamo.
Source: Lenta
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
