## The Silence of Russian Football: A Moral Reckoning
sergei Palkin, CEO of Shakhtar Donetsk, issued a powerful plea to the Russian football community, urging them to break their silence on the ongoing war in Ukraine. His message,posted on Facebook,directly addresses the owners,management,and players of Russian clubs,highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on a nation that has historically welcomed Russians with open arms. [[1]]
Palkin’s words carry a heavy weight, emphasizing the stark contrast between the warm hospitality ukraine has extended to Russians and the brutal reality of the current invasion. He poignantly reminds them that many Russians have deep personal ties to Ukraine, whether through family, friends, or even their birthplace. The ongoing destruction wrought by the Russian army,he argues,is a direct assault on this shared history and connection.
The world watches, Palkin asserts, expecting Russian football figures to condemn the violence and demand an end to the bloodshed. Yet, a deafening silence prevails. This inaction, he argues, is not neutrality; it is complicity. Fear, he suggests, may be the driving force behind this silence, but in the arena of morality, fear is a losing strategy.[[2]]
The CEO’s message goes beyond mere condemnation.He underscores the tangible consequences of this silence,citing the tragic death of a ukrainian youth coach killed by a Russian grenade. This loss, he argues, is a direct result of the inaction of those who could speak out but choose to remain silent.
Palkin’s plea is a stark reminder that history will judge not only those who perpetrate violence but also those who stand by and allow it to happen. The duty, he warns, will weigh heavily on the conscience of every Russian football figure who fails to break their silence.Their inaction, he argues, will forever be etched in the annals of history, a testament to their complicity in the crimes committed against Ukraine. [[3]]
“Silence is Consent”: A Conversation with IOC member Anita DeFrantz on Russian Football and the War in Ukraine
The world of sports has become inescapably intertwined with the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. With the devastating war reaching its one-year mark, the silence from manny corners of the Russian sporting community, particularly in football, has been deafening.
To unpack this complex issue, we spoke with IOC member and former Olympian Anita DeFrantz, a vocal advocate for ethical conduct in sport.
Moderator: Anita, Sergei Palkin’s powerful statement calling on Russian football figures to break their silence has resonated deeply. What are your thoughts on this plea,and the wider issue of inaction within the Russian sporting community?
Anita DeFrantz: Sergei Palkin’s words are deeply moving and courageous. His plea highlights a crucial point: silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality; it’s complicity. We, the global sporting community, look to athletes and those in positions of influence to be role models, to stand for what is right. When that silence prevails, it sends a chilling message.
Moderator: Palkin emphasizes the ancient ties between Russia and Ukraine, arguing that the conflict is an assault on a shared past. Do you agree that this shared history adds a layer of responsibility for Russian figures to speak out?
Anita defrantz: Absolutely. History is a powerful force, and these deep-rooted connections cannot be ignored.Many Russians have family, friends, even roots in Ukraine. This aggression is not just a geopolitical conflict; it’s a betrayal of those bonds. To remain silent is to betray those connections as well.
Moderator: Some argue that athletes shouldn’t be political. What woudl you say to those who beleive sports should remain separate from political discourse?
Anita DeFrantz: Sport is a microcosm of society; it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When atrocities are committed, when essential human rights are violated, those issues transcend politics. They are moral imperatives that demand our attention and action.
Moderator: Palkin cites the tragic death of a ukrainian youth coach killed by a Russian grenade as a direct consequence of this silence. How can the sporting world, particularly the football community, begin to address the human cost of this inaction?
Anita DeFrantz: We must acknowledge the human toll of this war, and that starts with empathy and understanding. We need platforms for dialog,for sharing stories like this young coach’s. These stories must not be ignored; they must be amplified.
Moderator: What actions can governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA take to encourage Russian football figures to speak out?
Anita defrantz: I believe in the power of dialogue and engagement. FIFA and UEFA can leverage their influence by creating platforms for open discussions, encouraging Russian athletes and officials to engage with Ukrainian counterparts. They can also highlight the voices of those who have spoken out, making their stances visible.
Moderator: This is a complex issue with no easy answers. But as Sergei Palkin argues, “history will judge.” what legacy do you hope the sporting world will leave behind in the face of this conflict?
Anita DeFrantz: I hope the world of sport will be remembered for its courage, its compassion, and its commitment to justice. We must stand with those who are suffering,raise our voices against injustice,and work tirelessly to build a world where sport is truly a force for good.
What are YOUR thoughts on the silence from the Russian sporting community? Share your opinions in the comments below.
let’s continue the conversation.
