The International Skating Union (ISU) has banned the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participating in competitions under its auspices. This was announced on March 1 by the press service of the organization.
“Following the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, the ISU is banning Russian and Belarusian figure skaters, speed skaters and short track skaters from participating in international competitions, including world championships and other tournaments under the auspices of the organization, until further notice. The decision takes effect immediately. The same sanctions apply to functionaries from Russia and Belarus,” the statement on the organization’s website says.
A day earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions.
After that, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) decided to remove the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions. In addition, the IIHF has deprived Russia of the right to host the Youth World Championship in 2023, which is to be held from December 26 this year to January 5, 2023.
The Russian Hockey Federation (FHR) called this decision discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of the sport. The organization indicated that they reserve the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Also on Monday, it became known that the National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended relations with Russian business partners and will not plan competitions in Russia due to the RF conducting a special operation in the Donbass.
In addition, FIFA and UEFA decided to remove teams and clubs from the Russian Federation from participating in all competitions. As the organizations assured, football will become a “vector of unity and peace between peoples” if the situation in Ukraine improves. The Russian Football Union (RFU), in turn, called the decision to remove the Russian national teams illegitimate.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special operation to protect the civilian population of Donbass. The Russian side emphasized that it does not hatch plans for the occupation of Ukraine, and strikes are carried out only on the military infrastructure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Before that, on February 21, Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the DNR and LNR, as well as treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with the republics. The documents were ratified the next day.
The head of state made the relevant decisions against the backdrop of the aggravation of the situation in Donbass that began on February 17. The DPR and LPR reported heavy shelling by Ukrainian security forces, including from heavy weapons. The republics announced a general mobilization and evacuation of civilians to the territory of Russia.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
