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On 18 Jan 2006 Спорт-Экспресс (Sport-Express) wrote:Isinbayeva categorically refutes the information about a change of her sport citizenship

World, European and Olympic Champion, and 18-time world record setter in the pole vault, Yelena Isinbayeva, and the Podium company which represents her interests, categorically refutes the information published in the German publication "Süddeutche Zeitung" about a change of sport citizenship from Russian to Italian. The president of the All-Russian Federation for Light Athletics (VFLA), Valentin Balakhnichev stated this to the agency of sport information "Vyes sport".

"I learned about the allegation that Yelena Isinbayeva received a proposal to represent the team of Italy after obtaining 6 million dollars, today - directly from Andreas Mettsler, the head of the Podium company, who represents Yelena Isinbayeva’s interests," said Valentin Balakhnichev. "He sent an e-mail, in which he informed me about the appearance of this information in the German publication "Süddeutche Zeitung". And he wrote that this "is incorrect - categorically, and absolutely does not correspond to reality". He also wrote that they will assuredly be in contact with the editorial staff of "Süddeutche Zeitung" seeking an explanation of where this information originated, who spread it. Andreas Mettsler said that Podium will soon an make an official statement about the situation."

Valentin Balakhnichev said that he also talked personally with Yelena Isinbayeva today. "We discussed several questions, in particular, the forthcoming decision by the authorities of Volgograd about awarding her the status "honorable inhabitant of the city". But we had no conversation about any proposal from the Italians. That means there was no proposal to herself. Yelena and I have confidential relations", said Valentin Balakhnichev.