Belarus Football vs Hockey: Kondratyev’s Criticism

Georgy Kondratyev (photo: ABFF)

Former head coach of the Belarusian national team Georgy Kondratiev spoke about the development of football and hockey in the country, noting the disproportion of funding and attitude towards sports.

— The most popular sport is not developing in Belarus. The only one that has been represented on the international stage in recent years. Good or bad is another question, but it is not included in the second Olympic cycle. For me this is wildness.

Ask the leaders why this sport is being destroyed? I don’t understand why there is such an attitude towards football, what bad has he done? More than 200 federations in FIFA. We all immediately want results, the phrases are heard: “Give results, and then there will be money.” But it doesn’t work that way.

There is a program where Rumbutis sits. I call it “Around Laughter”; he still needs a guitar there. They sit and discuss coaches. What do the coaches have to do with it? You will raise the topic that football has been systematically destroyed for 30 years. And there is money in hockey. So we can. But over the years they haven’t won anything there.

Dynamo Minsk is developing, many talented young people are emerging. I won’t be surprised if they win this Gagarin Cup. But it’s a shame for the most beloved and popular game. Football is being destroyed in Belarus, but hockey is thriving, Kondratyev quotes At least.

After 32 matches, Dynamo Minsk scored 47 points in the KHL Western Conference and is in third place, two points behind the leading Severstal.

Marcus Cole

Marcus Cole is a senior football analyst at Archysport with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, college football, and international football leagues. A former NCAA Division I player turned journalist, Marcus brings an insider's understanding of the game to every breakdown. His work focuses on tactical analysis, draft evaluations, and in-depth game previews. When he's not breaking down film, Marcus covers the intersection of football culture and the communities it shapes across America.

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