Three-time Olympic champion and head of the Moscow Region Figure Skating Federation, Irina Rodnina, shared her thoughts on the transition of 13-year-old Aleksandr Plushenko to the Azerbaijan national team.

Offsideplus.az reports that she stated the following regarding the matter:

"Regarding Sasha Plushenko, our federation received an application for his transfer to another national team and the termination of the allowances he received as an athlete. The specific decision regarding the transfer was made by the Figure Skating Federation of Russia (FFKKR), although we also expressed our opinion. It was a collective decision, and it can be viewed on our federation's website.

Is Russia losing a talented figure skater? I don't understand why people always talk about a 'loss' in such cases. We have never stopped the migration of people, either at the country level or in sports. In this situation, the decision was made by his parents, who bear the responsibility for him.

Why is everyone focused specifically on Sasha Plushenko? In our country, Tutberidze's daughter (Diana Davis) has competed for so many different sides. I haven't seen any information suggesting that her transfers outrage our fans or journalists. The person competes for another country, and she also holds three citizenships."