The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that the United States has barred Russian wrestlers from competing in the upcoming Freestyle World Cup in Iowa City.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Ministry, released a statement accusing the U.S. embassy in Moscow of refusing to arrange visa interviews for the Russian wrestling team ahead of the World Cup. She added that the embassy is claiming that a shortage of staff and “consular personnel” is to blame for their inability to process visas on time.
”We regard the US actions as another obvious example of obstructing the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions,” Zakharova said in an official statement.