“Israel exists, but we don’t”: how Russian football players are trying to blame the world for their isolation

While the whole world watches how Russian troops, along with their allies Assad and Iran, are “expelled” from Syria, Russia’s sporting isolation becomes a symbol of its international “reputation.”

Against this background, the forward of the Rostov football club, Egor Golenkov, decided to be indignant at the exclusion of the Russian national team from the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His statement, made in an interview with Sport-Express, caused a wave of indignation:

“Israel exists, but we don’t. Double standards.”

The 25-year-old football player was clearly dissatisfied with FIFA's decision, noting that Russia did not get a chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifications, which starts in December. Such complaints are not new to the Russian football community, which has found itself isolated since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

True, for some reason Israel is not offended by such anti-Semitic statements, and for some reason even helps Russian sprat – How Russia held the Commonwealth Cup football tournament in Israel was proudly told to the whole world by the Russian Foreign Ministry – Netanya November 29, 2024

Why are Golenkov's statements absurd?

1. Russia and Israel – different contexts

   Israel, faced with real threats to its existence, protects its citizens from terrorists. The Russian army is conducting aggressive actions outside its territory, violating international norms. As one of the commentators on our website noted: NAnews — Israel News:

   “Israel defends home, and Russia destroys others.”

2. International law and sport

   Sanctions against Russian sports organizations, including the exclusion of the Russian national team from international tournaments, are the result of Russian aggression. This is not a policy of “double standards”, but the implementation of international norms. Israel, on the contrary, actively cooperates with the international community.

3. Propaganda narrative

   Statements by Golenkov and other Russian functionaries such as Vyacheslav Koloskov and Maxim Mitrofanov highlight the use of sport as a propaganda tool. They do not try to understand the reasons for the isolation, but instead shift the blame to other countries.

How is the international community reacting?

FIFA's decision to exclude Russia is based on the positions of the majority of its members. Here are a few key points:

• Israel continues to develop sports even in times of conflictwithout violating international laws.
• Russia uses sport as a political toolviolating the principles of the Olympic movement.

The table shows a comparison of the positions of Israel and Russia in the international arena:

Why will Russia's isolation continue?

The international sports community has made it clear that Russia's return to competition is impossible without a change in its foreign policy. As one sports expert noted:

“Sport is not outside of politics, it is part of the global world. And there is no place for aggressors there.”

Our website NAnews – Israel News continues to highlight important aspects of relations between countries, as well as events showing the contrast between Israel's democratic values ​​and the aggressive policies of the Russian Federation.

Conclusion

Statements by Russian football players and functionaries about “double standards” sound especially ridiculous against the backdrop of the current international isolation of the Russian Federation. Israel continues to prove its worth as a sporting and democratic country fighting for its existence. And Russia remains on the periphery, unable to admit its mistakes.

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