2021 World Cup bronze medalist Mikhail Yakovlev will not be able to compete for Israel at the Olympics without consent from the Russian Cycling Federation, which awaits compensation for the cyclist’s relocation
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The Russian Cycling Federation (FVSR) will accept the transfer of world champion Mikhail Yakovlev to the Israeli team if it receives compensation, declared “Match TV” head of the federation Vyacheslav Ekimov.
2021 World Cup bronze medalist Keirin Yakovlev notified the FVSR in August of his intention to play for Israel. The runner has changed sports citizenship and competes in international competitions, but cannot go to the Olympics without the agreement of the transfer from the FVSR.
“Misha wanted to catch up with the departing train and go to the Paris Games. I don’t know if he can do it. There is no agreement on this matter so far and the position of our NOC is the same,” Yekimov said.
The head of the federation said that the organization “has the right to count on compensation for this transition.” “This practice exists all over the world. Pay us a certain amount for this kid and we’ll clear him to participate in the Olympics. We, as a federation, have made such demands,” Yekimov added.
Ekimov did not name the amount of compensation.
In early March, the International Cycling Union (UCI) canceled the status of Russian teams, deprived the international status of several cycling races planned in the country and suspended the participation of the Russian team in international competitions. Russian riders can participate in competitions under the auspices of the UCI only in a neutral state and on condition that their team is not registered as Russian or Belarusian.
