Alexander Plushenko, the 13-year-old son of two-time Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko, has received support after switching his sporting citizenship to Azerbaijan.

Russian coach and two-time Olympic medalist Alexander Zhulin said there was nothing wrong with the move, noting that breaking into Russia’s national team would have been extremely difficult for the young skater, The Caspian Post reports via Lenta.ru.

“In Russia, it would be very hard for him to make the national team, with very few chances. There, he may be able to compete at European and World Championships,” Zhulin said.

Former Russian national football player Alexander Mostovoi also backed the decision earlier, supporting the teenager’s move to represent Azerbaijan internationally.

The transfer became public on May 21, drawing attention because Plushenko’s father had previously spoken out against Russian athletes changing sporting nationality.