Chechnya will host a warm-up match between the Russian national team and the Lithuanian one on November 12, it was announced on October 27.
Spokesman for the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry Mindaugas Lashas noted that Chechnya is among the states that are not recommended to visit. The match was planned to be held at the Ahmat Aren Stadium, where Russia’s Terek FC has never played in the Premier League.
Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov expressed surprise at the statement of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry about the match. “Personally, I am surprised by the inadequate reaction of officials of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. I see a clear attempt to politicize sports. People have forgotten that politicians had boycotted the Olympic Games and forced athletes to avoid participating in tours or championships, regardless of where they are held.” If the authors of the statement are concerned about security, they should be aware that Grozny has held numerous world-class sporting events, with the participation of Lithuanian athletes. World celebrities have taken part in football matches, international forums have been held, celebrities have performed at the stadium. There have been no violations. The stadium of Ahmat Kadyrov has registered no cases of a disrespectful attitude from football fans. The Interior Ministry of Russia says Chechnya has the lowest crime level. What bothers official Vilnius?”
The Chechen leader believes that Vilnius has no official or impartial information on the situation in the republic.
“Politicians, on the contrary, were called to promote development of cultural, scientific, youth and business ties with neighboring states, rather than building artificial obstacles. The recommendations of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, for football fans to avoid visiting the North Caucasus Region, can be considered as a lack of clear, impartial information on the situation in Chechnya in Vilnius. I am confident that the Lithuanian football players will have bright, pleasant memories after their visit to Grozny, where they, like any other athletes, would receive a warm welcome,” Interfax cites Kadyrov as saying.
Author: Giya Saralidze exclusively for VK
