In an unexpected twist to the doping scandal involving seven players from Ufa Tolpar, the junior team affiliated with Salavat Yulaev in the KHL, the players have now stepped forward with allegations against their coach. They claim that the coach compelled them to consume unknown substances by using threats that could harm their careers.
The players' tests highlighted the presence of Meldonium, a banned substance known for its impact on blood flow. Its classification as a metabolic modulator led to its prohibition by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016, amplifying the gravity of the situation.
The fate of Igor Zagretdinov, the coach facing these allegations, hangs in the balance. As the accusations and counterarguments unravel, it casts a shadow over the team's integrity and management. The players maintain they were unwilling participants, hinting at a strained relationship between Zagretdinov and the team's doctor.