Press comments on the Valiyeva case
“The New Cold War of Doping on the Ice”
02/15/2022, 09:46 am
The doping case of Kamila Valiewa and the decision of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS causes an international stir. There is talk of the new “Cold War” of doping and the failure of the IOC. “Thomas Bach deserved this humiliation,” says Britain. The international press reviews.
“L’Equipe”: “It’s the bad series of these games. Since the positive sample became known (…) the figure skating world and the IOC have been on sight.”
“Le Monde”: “Eight years after the sensational state doping scandal, history seems to be repeating itself.”
Italy
Gazzetta dello Sport: “A defeat for the IOC, the anti-doping fight and sport. (…) 15-year-old Kamila Valiyeva competes with adults, so the same rules should apply to her, including when it comes to doping. What a Own goal for the sport.”
“Corriere della Sera”: “So far in this strange story there is only one certainty: in Moscow, the medicine men of the banned substances are still fully active. And despite all the cases in recent years, at the end there is always a doubt or a loophole in the regulations that there is prevent clear judgement.”
“La Republica”: “The age of innocence. Kamila Valiyeva stays at the games, but the medal ceremony is suspended. The new cold war of doping on the ice – without a winner and with many corpses on the battlefield. (…) The madness of the IOC, that fails to protect athletes’ dreams.(…) The rules must be the same for everyone.If Valiyeva is a protected person, too young to be guilty, then why shouldn’t her dreams and achievements too competitors are protected?”
USA
“New York Times”: “In the face of perhaps the most nerve-wracking controversy of this Winter Games, the Olympic organizers decided on Monday to withhold medals for all competitions where Valiyeva finishes in the top three. This extraordinary decision has left many in the sport frustrated and angered because honest athletes suffer as a result and given Russia’s history of mocking the rules and the major failure of the system designed to prevent doping.”
“US Today”: “What a slap in the face to the athletes who don’t cheat. A dark day for the Olympics and for the thousands of athletes who don’t use drugs to enhance their performance.”
Great Britain
“The Guardians”: “Kamila Valiyeva is caught in a complicated mess that has been brewing for years. At every opportunity, sports officials talk harshly about Russia and water down the penalties. (…) With no real incentive for reform – or fear that Russia could be banned from international sport – how is the country ever really going to change?”
“Daily Mail”: “Well, they’ve done it again. Dirty the Olympics again, sully a festival of sport again. But IOC boss Thomas Bach deserved this humiliation for opening the floodgates to corruption.”
“Commercial”: “Kamila Valiyeva cannot be brought down. (.) The Cas ruling must be seen as a fairly significant victory for the Russian side, considering the weight of those organizations that are against the country. (.) But a final one However, the outcome of the proceedings is not a big victory. (.) The questions about the team gold in figure skating and Valiyeva remain open. And it is obvious that the further proceedings will take place in an atmosphere unfriendly for Russia.”
“Sport Express”: “It’s a great victory for Russia in court: Valiyeva is allowed to take part in the individual competition. (.) But the cancellation of the winner’s ceremony is a shame for the IOC. Valiyeva’s rights are being violated.”