Andrei Kirilenko: “Sports should be uniting people, not separating”

The president of the Russian basketball federation Andrei Kirilenko discussed various topics with Mozzart Sport, including Russian teams being excluded from continental and international competitions, via Eurohoops:

“I understand the situation. I am sure players don’t follow politics nor are interested in politics. But nowadays everyone is an expert. We are all experts in viruses and the next day in politics. I don’t know anything about politics. I know about basketball. That’s where I can help,” Kirilenko said referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“I talk about basketball and play sports because I am convinced I understand how things work. Sports should be uniting people, not separating. Basketball exists for us to enjoy together and that’s how it should be all around the world.”