Russian footballer Igor Diveyev says suspension from international tournaments hurts young players

Russian national football team player Igor Diveyev complained about the suspension of Russian representatives from international competitions, saying he is waiting for permission to return to tournaments. The CSKA Moscow defender made the statement in an interview with the propaganda outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Diveyev said young players suffer most in the national team because they cannot compete internationally. He expressed skepticism about rumors of a possible return, stating he will only believe it when coach Valery Karpin announces preparation for qualifying matches. He noted he at least participated in the European Championship. Earlier, honorary president of the Russian Football Union Vyacheslav Koloskov complained about "open enemies" of Russia in Europe and worldwide. UEFA has refused to follow International Olympic Committee recommendations that lifted all sanctions on Russian athletes.