Russia is facing isolation from sports world as International Olympic Committee has urged national sports federation to exclude Russia and Belarus from international sports events. World governing body for football has also expelled Russia from 2022 FIFA World Cup. Russian athletes, sports administrators and sponsors are also being isolated from global sports in strong retaliation to invasion of Ukraine.
“While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be able to continue to participate in sports events, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from doing so because of the attack on their country,” IOC said in a statement.
“In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB (executive board) recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”
AlsoRead:- Russian attack on Ukraine leaves deep imprint on sport
SPORTS BODIES STRIP PUTIN OF HONOURS
International sports bodies are stripping Russian president Vladimir Putin of honorary posts and decorations. A day after International Judo Federation had stripped of Honorary President’s position, IOC withdrew the Olympic Order, it’s top decoration.
“In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation,” IJF had stated on Sunday.
On Monday, the IOC also withdrew the Olympic Order from all high-ranking Russian officials, including Putin.
FIFA, UEFA SHUT THE DOOR
World governing body for football, FIFA expelled Russia from the 2022 World Cup.
“Following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today (Monday) decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice,” FIFA said in a statement.
“These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters. Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”
SAINT PETERSBURG STRIPPED OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
UEFA has also deprived Russia of the hosting rights of the Champions League Final, which was slated to be held in Saint Petersburg on May 28. Paris has been named the new host city.
UEFA is also terminating sponsorship deal with Russia’s major gas company Gazprom.
FORMULA 1 DRIVES OUT
The Russian Grand Prix slated from September 23 to 25 has also also been cancelled. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, governing body for F1, along with F1 teams and organisers had on Sunday decided to suspend the Russian GP in wake of attacks on Ukraine.
WORLD CHESS BODY CHECK MATES RUSSIA
International Chess Federation (FIDE) has terminated all its sponsorship contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies. The FIDE has also resolved to not ink any new deal with companies owned, backed or recognised by the two nations. Interestingly, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich is a former Russian deputy prime minister.
EVENTS MOVED OUT OF RUSSIA
International Ski Federation and Swimming governing body FINA have also moved their events out of Russia. Junior World Swimming Championship was to be held in Kazan during August, while Skiing World Cup was also to be held in Russia during these winters.
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