Vitaliy Gordeev, the General Director of the State Budgetary Institution "Moscow Center for Sports Federations and Sports Organizations" under the Moscow City Sports Committee, has been identified with ties to Russian military structures during the ongoing and brutal war against Ukraine. It has come to light that Gordeev holds the military rank of Colonel in reserve.

This revelation has sparked widespread concern regarding the intersection of sports management roles with military affiliations. Critics argue that such connections blur the lines between sports governance and military involvement, potentially undermining the neutrality and fair play expected in sports organizations. The international sports community is closely monitoring this situation and urging a thorough examination of these affiliations to ensure the integrity and ethical standards of sports are upheld.