Russian Held in France for 'Destabilizing' Olympics put Under House Arrest

A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Russian Held in France for 'Destabilizing' Olympics put Under House Arrest

A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

A Russian citizen detained in France for "destabilizing" the Olympics has been placed under house arrest, Russian state news agency RIA reported, citing the Russian embassy in Paris.

French police said in July they had arrested a 40-year-old Russian man days before the start of the Paris Games after finding evidence at his home that raised "fears of his intention to organize events likely to cause destabilization during the Olympic Games".

RIA cited the Russian embassy as saying relatives of the man, whom it identified as Kirill Gryaznov, had informed them that he been placed under house arrest, Reuters reported.

RIA said the French prosecutor's office had told the agency that Gryaznov faced up to 30 years in prison on charges of helping a foreign state to foment disorder in France.

There was no immediate comment from French authorities on the matter.

Relations between France and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Earlier this month a court in Moscow handed out a three-year jail sentence to a French researcher, Laurent Vinatier, for violations of Russia's law against "foreign agents".



No Rush for Alisson to Return, Says Liverpool Boss Slot

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 1, 2024 Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts after the match. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 1, 2024 Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts after the match. (Reuters)
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No Rush for Alisson to Return, Says Liverpool Boss Slot

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 1, 2024 Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts after the match. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 1, 2024 Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts after the match. (Reuters)

Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper Alisson will not be rushed back from injury, manager Arne Slot said on Tuesday ahead of the leaders' midweek Premier League clash at Newcastle United.

The Brazilian has been out since early October because of a hamstring injury although he has hardly been missed with understudy Caoimhin Kelleher impressing.

"I think I have been clear a few weeks ago about what my position is about our goalkeepers, but we are just waiting for Alisson to be completely fit because Caoimhin is doing too well to put Alisson on goal if he's only 50%," Slot told reporters.

"That would not be good for Alisson and it would not be good for the team. He's getting there, it might take a few more extra days, but he's getting closer.

"Like I've always said, the end phase of a rehab is always the period where you feel like 'okay, is he really there or does he need extra days?' But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are now."

Ireland's Kelleher has made 11 appearances this season in all competitions and has kept four clean sheets in his last five games, including against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Liverpool head to Newcastle on Wednesday with a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League and they are 11 ahead of reigning champions City after beating them on Sunday.

"We know we have a difficult week coming up again and as we thought, Real Madrid and Man City were difficult to face," Slot said. "I think it's even harder to go to Newcastle away as well.

"We're not even halfway through the season yet, but it's a good position to be in. That's definitely true."