Gamova, who retired in 2016 as a double volleyball world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist, criticized the decision to give members of the men’s football team the title of ‘Honored Masters of Sport’, which they received at the Ministry of Sport on Saturday.

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The step comes amid widespread plaudits for the team – including from President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday – which don’t sit well with Gamova over the apparent rewarding of what she feels are insufficient achievements.

The 37-year-old, who now works as a youth team coach, posted an Instagram picture on Saturday with the news of the team’s award accompanied by a message questioning the decision.

“Some people need to win the World Championship or become an Olympic champion [to receive the title], but some people get it for reaching the quarter-final!” she wrote, adding: “It’s a shame for me that [the title Honored Master of Sport] is being devalued!”