MOSCOW, September 7. /TASS/. In connection with the refusal to issue a US visa to President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili Moscow reminds Washington that sports is outside politics, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday.

"We have to state that Washington’s policy towards creating obstacles to our country on the international scene and severing ties has affected sports as well. We are seriously concerned about the denial of entry to the United States for the Olympic Champion, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili," she said. "As a result, the Russian team at the world martial arts championships, which begins in Las Vegus today, has been deprived of its mentor."

"We would like the US authorities to recall that sports is outside politics. For our part, we wish success to our wrestlers and to all participants in the championships hoping that we will not see any foul tricks on the wrestling mat, which, unfortunately, the US Administratioin uses regularly," Zakharova said.