The Figure Skating Federation of Russia (FSFR) 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 surrounding the still-unresolved transfer of the Russian athlete to the Azerbaijani national team.
On Tuesday, Russian media reported that the ISU had prohibited Veronika Zhilina from transferring to the Azerbaijani national team, despite the fact that the skater holds Azerbaijani citizenship, has not competed in Russian events for the past two seasons, and has paid all debts to the FSFR.
According to the source, the FSFR submitted what it claimed was an active contract with Zhilina to the ISU, although in reality no such agreement exists between the athlete and the Russian Federation. Furthermore, the FSFR’s influence, which remains significant despite sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine, played a role in the ISU’s decision.
It is also noted that deteriorating relations between Azerbaijan and Russia have contributed to the Russian side’s resistance. For this same reason, the FSFR is also blocking the transfer of another skater to the Azerbaijani team. This athlete’s name has not been disclosed, but it is noted that he has Azerbaijani origin.
As for Veronika Zhilina, Azerbaijan is not giving up on the attempt to secure her transfer. In the near future, a lawyer, presumably from the United States, will be hired to address the matter through legal channels.
In September of this year, Baku will host the first-ever Junior Grand Prix figure skating stage in Azerbaijani history, where ISU leadership is expected to be present. The Azerbaijani side plans to hold negotiations with the ISU regarding Zhilina during the event.
Idman.biz
