British sport needs credible discussion around Russian investment - expert

A policing and security expert has said that British sport must now have a credible discussion regarding the sources of Russian financial investment and income.

Jonathan Jackson 's (pictured) comments follow a series of high-profile Russia-Ukraine related developments across international associations, tournaments and sporting bodies - including an investigation into a Russian gymnast who allegedly sported a pro-War symbol at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha at the weekend.

The Birmingham City University academic, who specialises in areas including criminal investigation, policing studies, terrorism and security, said: “Western nations have come to realise that by isolating Russia from global economics, trade and sport, they will in time erode the confidence that the oligarchs have in their leader, and the impact this will have on the Russian people is a price worth paying.

“The strategy adopted by international sporting bodies in recent weeks has been replicated by many other commercial sectors, with Apple, Google, Meta, and now Netflix, all withdrawing their services from Russia, driving up costs and leading to market destabilisation within the country.

“This raises a question around the complexity of disentangling Russian money from British business and a reluctance to do so.

“Many sports elites have enjoyed lifestyles and success without ever asking any questions as to where financial investment comes from. It is now time for British and global sports, as well as nation states, to have a credible discussion as to the sources of their income.

“We must also ensure that judicial systems target the business elites who really have influence - and can help determine the future of the terrible conflict in Ukraine rather than those without the ability to enact real change. ”