The Russian champion addressed the words to Polish footballers before the game in el. M¦ 2022

– What is happening hurts me. Something like this should never happen, it is unacceptable. For a long time it was difficult to say what was in Vladimir Putin’s mind. Now we know it, because he has revealed the cards – says in an interview with Ilya Markow, the Russian Olympic vice-champion from Atlanta, who currently lives in Poland.

“The world should react”. Ilya Markov reacts after Putin’s decision

– I am sorry when I think that people like me live in Donbas and terrible things happen there. I was in Russia a month ago. I really experience it. I feel helpless, I can only observe – he adds.

In Poland, we are wondering whether there will be a play-off match between Czesław Michniewicz’s team and Russia. This match is scheduled for March 24. An unequivocal opinion on this subject was expressed by Poland on Tuesday. – We will strive to play this match on a neutral ground as a minimum. If it is not approved, we will reflect on what to do. I believe that in such a situation Polish athletes should not go to Russia, but this is my personal opinion –

For now, FIFA and PZPN do not issue any announcements regarding the match. – First of all, I would ask what they feel and if they want to play. I would not like such decisions to be made completely independently of the athletes. However, I am aware that I am presenting an ideal vision. The players will probably have nothing to say. The decision will be made by someone in advance – believes Markov.

– On the one hand, the world of sport is also expected to react. I understand that. On the other hand, as a former walker, I look at the matter from the player’s perspective. The athlete prepares for a great event for several years, puts a tremendous effort into it, devotes his time at the expense of his family. And now someone will tell him that he cannot play for political reasons? It hurts like that. Athletes should not pay for it, adds Markow.

The world and European champion in walking hopes that the step will not affect sport. – Russian politicians have no right to do what they did. The world should react. However, I do not think that FIFA or other international sports organizations must take radical steps and boycott Russian sport. What is happening is not the fault of the players from our country – he concluded.

Let us recall that on Monday evening the president of Russia signed a decree recognizing the independence of two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas – Donetsk and Lugansk. He also sent troops of his troops there. It explained itself as a concern for “keeping the peace” in the area.