A serious crisis is looming in the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR), primarily driven by the destructive management methods of the current president, Mikhail Mamiashvili.
His authoritarian leadership style, constant suppression of initiatives, and corrupt practices have led to internal divisions.
Mamiashvili has established a rigid power vertical that blocks any positive initiatives. A notable example is his reaction to the tournament in Vladikavkaz between the teams of North Ossetia and Dagestan, organized by the local sports community with support from FSBR vice-presidents Arsen Fadzaev and Omar Murtuzaliev. The federation president convened an extraordinary executive committee, prohibited the holding of such events without his personal sanction, and issued threats to the vice-presidents. Such actions contradict the principles of collegiality enshrined in the FSBR charter and escalate tensions in key wrestling regions.
The case of former national team coach Khadzhimurat Gatsalov set a dangerous precedent of using anti-doping procedures as a tool of pressure. After Gatsalov’s suspension on doping charges and the appointment of acting head coach Denis Tsargush, a series of scandals and interventions by influential Ossetians occurred. On Mamiashvili’s initiative, a repeat examination was conducted that cleared Gatsalov. According to available data, this “rehabilitation” was managed, and in professional circles, it is believed that the cost of restoring him through corrupt channels in RUSADA could have reached $300,000, raising doubts about the integrity of the process and suggesting the monetization of personnel decisions.
According to sources, the federation’s financial operations are also causing serious concern. Insider reports indicate that Mamiashvili’s personal income from facilitating wrestlers’ transfers to foreign clubs over the past 18 months is estimated at $4–4.5 million. The distribution of sponsorship and government funds is reportedly non-transparent.
A vivid example is the scandal involving former head of the Center for Sports Training of National Teams (CSP), Georgy Brusov, who was removed from his post after a shortfall of about 300 million rubles in reporting to the Ministry of Sports was discovered. These funds had been allocated to the Wrestling Federation but could not be accounted for. Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev expressed dissatisfaction with the reports and audit of the CSP. Notably, after leaving his position, Brusov was taken in by Mamiashvili, who appointed him as his first deputy.
The internal crisis has reached a critical point. According to a source, a group of vice-presidents led by Arsen Fadzaev and Omar Murtuzaliev is considering sending a collective letter to Vladimir Putin and Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev. The immediate trigger could be Mamiashvili’s planned, reportedly unlawful, reinstatement of Khadzhimurat Gatsalov to the position while removing Denis Tsargush
