Russian Athletics Feels the Heat Over Poor Ticket Sales for IAAF World Championships

The president of the Russian Athletics Federation has said poor ticket sales at the IAAF World Championships and failed drug tests are a ‘big problem’ for his country.

Moscow is hosting the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships, but despite Russia’s strong athletics heritage, interest in the country has been low.

More than 40 Russian athletes are serving doping bans and despite Russia being second only behind America in the all-time medal table, it remains unclear whether the Luzhniki Stadium will be sold out.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Valentin Balakhnichev, president of the Russian Athletics Federation said: “It’s a big problem for our country, especially Moscow.”