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Ukraine War and bans/sanctions on Russian sportspersons

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Abdullah719

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Russia has been handed a four-year ban from all major sporting events by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).

It means the Russia flag and anthem will not be allowed at events such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and football's 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But athletes who can prove they are untainted by the doping scandal will be able to compete under a neutral flag.

Wada's executive committee made the unanimous decision in a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

It comes after Russia's Anti Doping Agency (Rusada) was declared non-compliant for manipulating laboratory data handed over to investigators in January 2019.

It had to hand over data to Wada as a condition of its controversial reinstatement in 2018 after a three-year suspension for its vast state-sponsored doping scandal.

A total of 168 Russian athletes competed under a neutral flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang after the country was banned at the 2014 Games in Sochi.

Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics since 2015.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/50710598
 
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I find it ridiculous that steroids and blood transfusions etc are illegal in sports because its claimed that the athlete gets an unfair advantage but a footballer or cricketer can take painkiller injections such as a cortisone injection and play, when before the injection, they could hardly even walk!
This is not giving the player an unfair advantage?
Come on legalise the whole lot.
Let Russia play, its only a game, dont want to make them angry.
 
Russia's ban appeal set to be heard by Court of Arbitration for Sport

Russia's appeal against its four-year ban from all major sporting events will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) from Monday.

In December 2019, Russia's Anti Doping Agency (Rusada) was declared non-compliant for manipulating laboratory data handed over to investigators the previous January.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) had controversially reinstated Russia in 2018 after a three-year suspension for its vast state-sponsored doping scandal.

But Wada's executive committee made the unanimous decision to impose the ban, which bars Russia from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, set to be held next year, and football's 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The appeal hearing, which is not open to the public, is scheduled to take place at an undisclosed venue in Lausanne, Switzerland, until Thursday. A decision will be announced at a later date.

Wada said it had "left no stone unturned in preparation for this hearing" although Russian Anti-Doping Agency spokesperson Maria Markova said she is hopeful for a positive outcome.

"Any blanket ban is no good for sports at all and is not fair to the athletes who have never been involved in any anti-doping investigation," she said,

Only athletes who can prove they are clean competitors would be permitted to compete under the ban, and would have to do so as so-called "neutral" athletes.

A total of 168 Russian athletes competed under a neutral flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics since 2015.

The final decision in the punishment now rests with Cas, whose ruling on the matter would be binding.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/54773980
 
US Senate passes bill to criminalise doping at international sporting events

The United States Senate has passed a bill that will allow US officials to prosecute anyone involved in doping at international sporting events.

The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, named after Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, is set to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.

US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) chief Travis Tygart said it was "monumental" in the "fight for clean sport".

However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) is concerned about the bill.

The legislation, which passed the Senate unopposed on Monday after previously passing the House of Representatives unanimously, allows the US to seek prosecution for doping conspirators at competitions involving American athletes, sponsors or broadcasters.

It targets coaches, agents, managers and officials rather than athletes, who are already covered by Wada sanctions.

The potential penalties include fines of up to $1m (£756,000) or prison sentences of up to 10 years.

"The act will provide the tools needed to protect clean athletes and hold accountable international doping conspiracies that defraud sport, sponsors and that harm athletes," said Tygart.

"It is a monumental day in the fight for clean sport worldwide and we look forward to seeing the act soon become law and help change the game for clean athletes for the good."

Wada said it had "legitimate concerns" that the bill could undermine the global anti-doping effort and has questioned why the law excludes US professional and college athletes, when they were included in the original draft.

"It may lead to overlapping laws in different jurisdictions that will compromise having a single set of rules for all athletes around the world," said Wada.

"This harmonisation of rules is at the very core of the global anti-doping program.

"If it is not good enough for American sports, why is it fine for the rest of the world?"

Wada also said it was concerned the bill could deter whistleblowers from coming forward if there was a risk of prosecution but Tygart said the law would "protect whistleblowers from retaliation".

Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow's anti-doping laboratory, fled Russia in late 2015 with detailed evidence of the state-sponsored doping regime he masterminded, which led to Russia's ban from the 2018 Winter Olympics.

He is living under a witness protection programme in the US.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/54973241
 
Russia. Doping.

Those two words sound bad enough on their own.

Russia. A case of suspected doping. Announced at an Olympics where the country is already banned for doping. A child involved.

Could it sound any worse?

The revelation that 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva failed a drugs test before Beijing 2022 has put the Games under a black cloud, swinging the spotlight away from sport and once again on a dark subject that simply will not go away.

There are now questions over timelines regarding the matter, a legal case under way, uncertainty over medals won - and that is without even considering the wider damage to the credibility of anti-doping measures and the welfare of a young athlete.

So, how have we got here and what happens next?

Why are Russians at the Games - aren't they supposed to be banned?

At Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, Russians have been allowed to compete under the flag of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) if they could prove they were untainted by the doping scandal that led to the country being banned from international sporting events.

An investigation into revelations that surfaced in 2014 found the country had operated a state-sponsored doping programme.

The ROC delegation to Beijing is the third biggest at the Games, with 212 athletes.

Russian athletes have won 11 medals here, but under the terms of their participation they do not hear their anthem, see their flag raised when they are on the podium and must not wear any Russian flags on their clothing.

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Russian athletes faced backlash from fellow competitors who believed they should not be at the Games because of the country's doping record.

After the revelation on Friday of another Russian failed test, much of the reaction on social media raised exactly this point.

First a state-sponsored doping scandal - now a child failing a drugs test

The fact Valieva is a child is what makes this failed drugs test particularly shocking.

"Kamila Valieva is a young girl and child prodigy, whose highly difficult performances and grace enchanted the whole world at only 15. A minor, depending on adults and she is not to blame here," double Olympic champion Katarina Witt wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

"It is a shame, and the responsible adults should be banned from the sport forever."

Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, which is used in the prevention of angina attacks, but is on the banned list because it is classed as a cardiac metabolic modulator and has been proven to improve physical efficiency.

Former Wada deputy director Rob Koehler said there were three organisations to blame for Valieva's positive test - Wada, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

"By not banning Russia for four years, there was no need or desire for cultural change by Russian authorities. By allowing Russia a free pass these organisations have severely let down every single athlete in Russia because it's business as usual," he said.

"Athletes in Russia deserved a cultural change, they deserved the right to have the opportunity to compete clean. Instead, Wada, the IOC and Cas favoured the power and influence of Russian sport over clean sport."

Valieva had arrived in Beijing tipped for gold and had already made global headlines by becoming the first female skater to land a quadruple jump at an Olympics.

Since making her senior debut last October she has set a series of world record for scores with highly technical but also aesthetically beautiful routines and was set to star for one of the sport's most dominant countries.

She announced herself on the Olympic stage on Monday in the team event with a short programme that was just shy of her own world record score, and in the free skate the following day she even landed not just the one, but two quadruple jumps.

Commentators branded her performances "flawless" and predicted she would be making many more headlines at these Games.

Not this sort though.

In 2014, revelations of a doping scandal came to light, eventually leading to a report in 2016 finding that Russia had operated a state-sponsored doping programme for four years across the "vast majority" of summer and winter Olympic sports.

That included tampering with tests at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, where as hosts they finished top of the medal table.

At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Russians competed across a range of sports but track and field athletes were banned, while at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, athletes with no record of doping were allowed to compete under the name Olympic Athlete from Russia.

In 2019, Russia were given a four-year ban from all major sporting events by Wada after it declared Russia's Anti Doping Agency (Rusada) non-compliant for manipulating laboratory data handed over to investigators.

That ban was later reduced to two years by Cas and is due to run out in December.

Before Beijing 2022, Wada president Witold Banka warned Russia it should not assume the sanctions would automatically be lifted when the suspension runs out in December, saying: "At the end of the year we will need to say 'yes, Rusada can be compliant'. It is not the end of this process. It is too early to say definitely that they are compliant."

Russia denies running a state-sponsored doping programme but has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules.

The immediate issue is what happens with the Valieva case itself - although there should be a resolution with that before she is due to compete on 15 February in the women's event.

The IOC and the International Skating Union have appealed to Cas against the decision by Rusada to lift the provisional suspension it had imposed when it learned of the positive test on Tuesday.

Rusada initially suspended Valieva before she appealed against the decision.

There is also the issue of the medals for the figure skating team event, which are still to be handed out. The Russians came first, but the second-placed United States will be wondering if they are about to get a medal upgrade.

The Russian Olympic Committee said it would "take comprehensive measures in order to protect the rights and interests of the members of the ROC Team and to preserve the honestly won Olympic gold medal".

There are also question marks over why it took so long to get the result of her test - she took the test on 25 December and the result was only given on 8 February after being processed in a Wada-accredited Stockholm lab.

"It is a catastrophic failure of the system to allow the star of the Games to have her sample not reported back close to five weeks, and then it gets reported the day after they won the team event," United States Anti-Doping Agency head Travis Tygart said.

Beyond these Games though, there are broader questions that will need answering, not least what exactly needs to happens to ensure the words "Russia" and "doping" stop coming up in the same sentence.
 
<b>Fifa has ordered Russia to complete their upcoming matches without their flag, anthem and as the Football Union of Russia in neutral territory, following the invasion of Ukraine.</b>
 
James said:
<b>Fifa has ordered Russia to complete their upcoming matches without their flag, anthem and as the Football Union of Russia in neutral territory, following the invasion of Ukraine.</b>
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Russia should tell fifa where to go....
 
Putin would have taken such sanctions in to consideration before attacking Ukraine. Don't think he cares much or is worried about what happens in the next four years.
 
The English FA has held private conversations with UEFA and FIFA, urging them to ban Russia from the upcoming men’s World Cup and Women’s Euros, Sky Sports News understands.

The English, Scottish and Welsh FAs confirmed publicly on Monday they will refuse to play matches against Russia at any level of the game - whether or not they play under a changed name.
 
The International Olympic Committee has recommended that all Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be allowed to participate in any international competitions following the invasion of Ukraine.

It added that where that was not possible, it "strongly urges International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus".

SKY
 
Football's world governing body Fifa is set to suspend Russia until further notice - as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommends that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials are banned from any organised international competitions.

Fifa's suspension would mean Russia's exclusion from the men's World Cup qualification play-offs in March.

The IOC has urged sport governing bodies not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete because of a "breach of the Olympic Truce" by those countries' governments.

It comes after Russia, supported by Belarus, launched a military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine last Thursday.

Fifa had earlier ruled that Russia must complete their upcoming games in neutral territory, under the title Football Union of Russia, and without their flag and anthem.

However, the announcement drew criticism - and Scotland and the Republic of Ireland joined several other nations, including England and Wales, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden, in refusing to play against Russia.

On Monday, Scottish FA president Rod Petrie wrote to his Ukrainian counterpart "to send a message of support, friendship and unity", with those two nations due to meet in their World Cup play-off semi-final on 24 March.

Russia are scheduled to face Poland in the play-offs on the same day, followed by a final meeting with the Czech Republic or Sweden on 29 March, should they win.

Russia's women are also set to compete at the Women's Euro 2022 in England in July where they are in a group with the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

The International Paralympic Committee is to meet on Wednesday to discuss Russia, just two days before the start of the Beijing Winter Paralympic Games.

The IOC said it had made its recommendations "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants", adding that "the current war in Ukraine puts the Olympic Movement in a dilemma".

"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," an IOC statement read.
 
Football's world governing body Fifa and Europe's governing body Uefa have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions.

The move comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials are banned from any organised international competitions.

It means the Russian men's team will not play their World Cup play-off matches next month and the women's team have been banned from this summer's European Championship.
 
How is this fair on professional athletes? What have they done wrong?
 
Rana said:
How is this fair on professional athletes? What have they done wrong?
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Its ironic.

Israel plays in the European leagues while its located in Middle East. I would assume most Israeli players have physically taken part as occupying forces but are welcomed with open arms.
 
So FIFA and IOC are not political? This is as political as it gets.

Not mixing sports with politics. :))
 
Been saying it for years on here guys… sport and politics, destined to be totally intertwined…
 
James said:
Been saying it for years on here guys… sport and politics, destined to be totally intertwined…
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Why the hypocrisy then when it comes to certain nationalities and conflicts?
 
Rana said:
How is this fair on professional athletes? What have they done wrong?
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I am inclined to agree, it feels like punitive measures are being taken against the wrong people.
 
With Russian national and domestic football teams booted out of FIFA and UEFA competitions, I don't recall British teams being kicked out when the UK invaded Iraq.

Solidarity? hmmm :98:
 
Excluding Russian athletes from sport because the country invaded Ukraine is an "unfair solution", says ex-Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, is staging an emergency meeting on Tuesday to "discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine".

It will determine whether F1's only current Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin, can compete for his team, Haas.

Russian Kvyat is due to compete in the World Endurance Championship this year.

The 27-year-old said "sport should remain outside politics" and banning Russian athletes "goes against what sport teaches us in principle: the unity and peace".

The International Olympic Committee has called for Russian and Belarussian athletes to be prevented from competing in international events.

The Russian Grand Prix, due to take place on 25 September in Sochi, was cancelled last week.

"I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace," said Kvyat.

"Who else if not us sports people will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times?"

Haas removed the branding of its title partner, Uralkali, for the final day of the pre-season test in Barcelona last week. The Russian fertiliser company is part-owned by oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, the father of F1 driver Nikita.
 
Zaz said:
When are israel going to be boycotted then?
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Instead of being boycotted Israel has been rewarded by being allowed to play in the European leagues, European Int competitions, instead of the middle east.

Its desperation when you know Russia isnt Libya.
 
FIFA itself is a European biased organization, was formed by them, so this was bound to happen.
 
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has demanded that the International Cricket Council (ICC) expel Pakistan for spreading terrorism in India, its role in the Kargil war, Parliament attack in India, and other terrorist activities.

This comes after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA expelled Russia from the global sports body and banned Russian clubs from participating in any international event under it. Russia recently invaded Ukraine and has been facing expulsions and sanctions for its action from various sporting and financial bodies across the world.

India and Pakistan have always been at loggerheads due to the animosity between the two sides and Pakistan’s consistent terrorist encouraging activities in India, especially in the Kashmir region. The 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the 2001 attacks on Parliament, the 2019 terrorist attack on Indian soldiers in Pulwama, and other such activities have led to both countries ending bilateral cricket ties.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013 and India has not toured Pakistan since 2007. The two countries only face-off in ICC events such as the ODI World Cup, the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has urged the International Cricket Council to expel Pakistan from cricket for its role in the Kargil war, Parliament attack, and terrorist activities in India. This after FIFA, the Olympics, Formula One racing, the European UEFA league, the Badminton World Federation, and other sporting associations have sanctioned and banned Russia and Belarus for invasion of Ukraine.

“If FIFA can expel Russia from the 2022 football World Cup, what was stopping the ICC from expelling Pakistan for Kargil, 26/11 & more recent events,” Abhishek Manu Singhvi tweeted.

FIFA, who condemned the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, said that no international football matches will be played in Russia, and the country’s flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad.

https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket...nu-singhvi-demands-pakistans-ouster-from-icc/
 
MenInG said:
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has demanded that the International Cricket Council (ICC) expel Pakistan for spreading terrorism in India, its role in the Kargil war, Parliament attack in India, and other terrorist activities.

This comes after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA expelled Russia from the global sports body and banned Russian clubs from participating in any international event under it. Russia recently invaded Ukraine and has been facing expulsions and sanctions for its action from various sporting and financial bodies across the world.

India and Pakistan have always been at loggerheads due to the animosity between the two sides and Pakistan’s consistent terrorist encouraging activities in India, especially in the Kashmir region. The 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the 2001 attacks on Parliament, the 2019 terrorist attack on Indian soldiers in Pulwama, and other such activities have led to both countries ending bilateral cricket ties.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013 and India has not toured Pakistan since 2007. The two countries only face-off in ICC events such as the ODI World Cup, the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has urged the International Cricket Council to expel Pakistan from cricket for its role in the Kargil war, Parliament attack, and terrorist activities in India. This after FIFA, the Olympics, Formula One racing, the European UEFA league, the Badminton World Federation, and other sporting associations have sanctioned and banned Russia and Belarus for invasion of Ukraine.

“If FIFA can expel Russia from the 2022 football World Cup, what was stopping the ICC from expelling Pakistan for Kargil, 26/11 & more recent events,” Abhishek Manu Singhvi tweeted.

FIFA, who condemned the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, said that no international football matches will be played in Russia, and the country’s flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad.

https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket...nu-singhvi-demands-pakistans-ouster-from-icc/
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There were Indians who say India or BCCI doesn’t try political moves to oust Pakistan from ICC.

Here is the proof. How will they deny this now?
 
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cricketjoshila said:
This is ghanta giri.
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Europe is where the money is. Most of UEFA countries would agree with the ban. With FIFA, even if most dont agree, European and USA nations want to ban russia.

Its very similar to BCCI threatening ICC if decisions go aganst us. We can do it because we are 70% of ICC revenue.

European countries are similarily strong in football.

Sports and politics will always be intertwined, and should be.
 
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete as neutrals at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing following the invasion of Ukraine.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) says the two countries "will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table".

The opening ceremony is on Friday, with competition starting on Saturday.
 
Rana said:
There were Indians who say India or BCCI doesn’t try political moves to oust Pakistan from ICC.

Here is the proof. How will they deny this now?
Click to expand...

Why do you think this guy and his party is out of power? 26/11 happened when congress was in power, then he did nothing.

These are musings of a failing party.
 
Sidilicious said:
Europe is where the money is. Most of UEFA countries would agree with the ban. With FIFA, even if most dont agree, European and USA nations want to ban russia.

Its very similar to BCCI threatening ICC if decisions go aganst us. We can do it because we are 70% of ICC revenue.

European countries are similarily strong in football.

Sports and politics will always be intertwined, and should be.
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Has UEFA voted? No.

If most of the FIFA countries dont want a ban on Russia how can US force a ban?

Can BCCI ban PCB?
 
Ukraine invasion: Russian and Belarusian athletes out of Paralympics in stunning U-turn

Organisers say other teams are "threatening not to compete" so they are changing their stance "to preserve the integrity of these Games and the safety of all participants".

Russian and Belarusian athletes have now been banned from the Winter Paralympic Games because of the Ukraine invasion - a reversal of a decision made just a day before.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made the announcement on Thursday in Beijing - just 24 hours before the Games begin in the city.

At a news conference, IPC President Andrew Parsons said initially organisers were thinking of "the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic movement".

But, "in the last 12 hours," he said, "an overwhelming number of members" had contacted them "threatening not to compete".

Describing Russian and Belarusian competitors as "victims of your governments' actions", he said the IPC had changed its stance over security concerns and the desire to maintain "the spirit of fair play".

"In order to preserve the integrity of these Games and the safety of all participants, we have decided to refuse the athlete entries from RPC and NPC Belarus," he added.

On Wednesday the committee announced it would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Games, which open on Friday, but only as neutral athletes with colours, flags and other national symbols removed. The decision drew immediate criticism.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, had said the IPC made the "wrong decision" and called on them to "urgently reconsider" - while the British Paralympic Association said it was "disappointed".

Reacting to Thursday's change of heart, she said: "I am pleased that the IPC has now come to the right decision and answered our call to ban Russian and Belarus athletes in response to [Vladimir] Putin's barbaric, senseless invasion.

"The welfare of all the other competing athletes is of utmost importance and we are pleased the IPC also recognise that. The whole country will be fully behind our ParalympicsGB team at the Games."

The British Paralympic Association had said: "We are disappointed by the International Paralympic Committee's decision today.

"We, like many participating Paralympic nations, already stated that given the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine we cannot see how the participation of Russia or Belarus in the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games is compatible with the objectives of the Paralympic movement.

The full Ukrainian team - made up of 20 athletes and nine guides - have travelled to China to compete in the Games, following some initial uncertainty about their participation.

On Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries - but added they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal.

Governing bodies for football, athletics, basketball and hockey have also imposed blanket bans on Russians and Belarusians.

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-...ut-of-paralympics-in-stunning-u-turn-12556194
 
Wow.

This is becoming cultural isolation on a mass scale.
 
Western media labels Putin a dictator. How is it fair to ban the people living in the dictatorship for the actions of their leader when ( if we believe our media) they are powerless to remove him.

It's also sad that a sporting event that seeks to champion people in sports people who are born with disadvantages is excluding people based on something they had no control over.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Western media labels Putin a dictator. How is it fair to ban the people living in the dictatorship for the actions of their leader when ( if we believe our media) they are powerless to remove him.

It's also sad that a sporting event that seeks to champion people in sports people who are born with disadvantages is excluding people based on something they had no control over.
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It's a battle to the death over resources, west v Russia. I was going to say a battle of ideologies, but without the resources I don't think anyone would care what ideology Russia or Tanzania held. I watched a news report today where the black female news presenter asked the expert panellist shouldn't we be doing something more than back Ukraine with words to avoid massive Ukranian casualties, and he replied with a well prepared line that it was up to Russia to stop the invasion to prevent casualties.

That tells you that while it's terrible that Ukranians are going to get massacred, there are bigger things at stake here. Like our future as a superpower for example.
 
The Russian Football Union said it will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to appeal against its ban from international competitions after the country's invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, Russian football clubs and national teams were suspended from all competitions "until further notice" by Fifa and Uefa.

The union said it would file one lawsuit against football's world and European governing bodies, demanding Russia's men's and women's national teams be allowed to compete.

Russia wants its national teams reinstated to play their men's World Cup play-off matches next month and the women's team once again included in this summer's Euro 2022 competition in England.

The union also said it could ask for the suspension of competitions they were originally scheduled to compete in if unsuccessful.

"If Fifa and Uefa refuse such a procedure, a requirement will be put forward for the introduction of interim measures in the form of suspension of Fifa and Uefa decisions, as well as competitions in which Russian teams were supposed to participate," Russian football authorities said.

Russian club Spartak Moscow were also kicked out of the Europa League and their last-16 opponents RB Leipzig will advance to the quarter-finals.

A statement from Russian football authorities said it "believes that Fifa and Uefa did not have a legal basis when deciding on the removal of Russian teams".

"The Russian Football Union was also not given the right to present its position, which violated the fundamental right to defence," the statement continued.

"In addition, when making decisions, Fifa and Uefa did not take into account other possible options for action, except for the complete exclusion of participants from the competition from Russia."

Fifa and Uefa intervened after Russia, supported by Belarus, launched a military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine last Thursday.

Russia says it "will insist on an expedited procedure for considering the case" in an effort to "ensure the possibility of the participation of Russian teams in the next scheduled matches"

The Russian men's team had been scheduled to face Poland in a World Cup play-off semi-final on 24 March.

The union, who say they will seek "compensation for damage", said actions taken against them "violated the fundamental rights of the RFU as a member of Fifa and Uefa"

"The decision to withdraw the national team from qualification for the 2022 World Cup was made under pressure from direct rivals in the play-offs, which violated the principle of sports and the rules of fair play," the RFU said.

Fifa had previously ruled that Russia must complete their upcoming games in neutral territory, under the title Football Union of Russia, and without their flag and anthem.

However, that announcement had drawn criticism - and several nations, including England, Northern Ireland Scotland and Wales, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden, in refusing to play against Russia.

The 2022 Champions League final, originally due to be played in St Petersburg on 28 May, has also been moved to Paris.
 
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is being investigated after wearing a national war symbol on his leotard as he stood next to a Ukrainian rival on the podium in Qatar on Saturday.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak for his "shocking behaviour" at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha.

Kuliak earned bronze in the parallel bars final and displayed a letter 'Z' taped to his chest as he stood next to gold medal winner Illia Kovtun of Ukraine.

The letter Z has become symbolic with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has been seen painted on the side of tanks and military vehicles, as well as being worn by pro-war politicians in Russia.

This weekend was the final opportunity for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete after their countries were sanctioned by the FIG as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

From Monday, Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and judges will not be allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.
 
<b>Ukraine crisis: Fifa says foreign players can leave Russia</b>

Foreign footballers playing in Russia can suspend their contracts and temporarily leave the country.

Fifa made the announcement as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russian football clubs and national teams were last week suspended from all competitions "until further notice" by Fifa and Uefa.

"Fifa would like to reiterate its condemnation of the ongoing use of force by Russia in Ukraine," it said.

In the statement, the world governing body added: "Foreign players and coaches will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia (30 June 2022).

"Players and coaches will be considered out of contract until 30 June 2022 and will therefore be at liberty to sign a contract with another club without facing consequences of any kind."

Fifpro, the players' union, said the measures didn't go far enough.

"While some measures adopted today are helpful amendments, the decision to allow foreign players to only suspend their contracts and thus only temporarily leave Russian clubs is too timid.

"It will be hard for players to find employment for the remainder of the season with uncertainty looming over them and, within a few weeks, they will be in a very difficult situation once again.

"These players should be allowed to terminate their contracts."

The Russian Football Union said it will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to appeal against its ban from international competitions.

Russian side Spartak Moscow have been kicked out of the Europa League and the 2022 Champions League final, originally due to be played in St Petersburg on 28 May, has been moved to Paris.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60652298
 
Premier League suspends broadcast deal with Russia because of Ukraine invasion
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

The Premier League has suspended its broadcast deal with Russia following the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The move will take effect immediately, meaning Thursday's four matches will not be shown in the country.

The matter took only 15 minutes of a four-hour meeting of all 20 clubs in London on Tuesday to agree.

The English top flight also says it will donate £1m to support the people of Ukraine.

The TV rights for the Premier League were owned by the Rambler Group. The company was in its final year of a three-year deal to show matches in Russia.

In a separate move, the Football Association has also suspended its deal with Russia.

That means none of this month's FA Cup quarter-final matches will be shown.

The Premier League says it condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that its clubs unanimously agreed the move.

"We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted," the Premier League said in a statement.

"The £1m donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need."

Last weekend, Premier League clubs showed solidarity with Ukraine as captains wore special armbands in Ukrainian colours, while stadium screens displayed 'Football Stands Together' in front of the country's blue and yellow flag.

It is understood there will be no repeat of the pro-Ukraine branding that took place around last weekend's games. However, clubs have been cleared to produce their own response if they wish.

The English Football League (EFL) says it has also suspended broadcast feeds of its matches in Russia.

"Echoing the views of the Premier League and other organisations around the world, the EFL remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict," the EFL said in a statement.

"As has been demonstrated at EFL grounds around the country, 'Football Stands Together' with the people of Ukraine and all those impacted."

Last weekend Chinese rights holders did not broadcast Premier League matches in their country, which is a close political ally of Russia.

In response to the Premier League's announcement, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said it was "absolutely the right thing to do".

He said in a statement: "We fully support the Premier League's decision to stop broadcasting matches in Russia in response to Putin's barbaric, senseless invasion of Ukraine.

"Russia cannot be allowed to legitimise its illegal war through sport and culture, and we must work together to ensure Putin remains a pariah on the international stage."

Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said it had received an appeal by the Football Union of Russia (FUR) against its ban from competitions.

On 28 February, Russian football clubs and national teams were suspended from all competitions "until further notice" by world football's governing body Fifa and European governing body Uefa.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60658490
 
Andy Murray is "not supportive" of the ban on Russian and Belarusian players from competing in Wimbledon, but says there is no "right answer" on the difficult situation.

Speaking to journalists at the Madrid Open, the three-time grand slam winner said the guidance from the government "was not helpful" and could potentially put the families of players at risk.

"I'm not supportive of players getting banned," Murray said.

"My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they're against the war and against the Russian regime.

"I'm not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families (as a result)."

The Scottish player who is is donating all of his prize money this season to humanitarian relief in Ukraine spoke out about the decision ahead of his opening match against 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem.

"I don't think there's a right answer," Murray said.

Andy Murray reunited with stolen wedding ring and smelly trainers - and 'back in the good books' with his wife

"I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I've spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren't allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them. But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in.

"I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can't play, and I don't support one side or the other."

Murray's comments come after the All England Club, which holds the tournament in southwest London every summer, made the announcement on 20 April to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the tournament.

The ban rules out players including men's world number two Daniil Medvedev and women's world number four Aryna Sabalenka from featuring in the grass court Grand Slam.

On Sunday, Rafael Nadal similarly branded the Wimbledon ban "very unfair", adding: "My Russian tennis mates, my colleagues. It's not their fault what's happening in this moment with the war."

Wimbledon officials reiterated their position last week, saying that a directive from the government regarding the invasion of Ukraine had left them with no viable alternative but to refuse entries from players from the two countries.

There has been some support for Wimbledon's position, especially from Ukrainians within tennis, but the reaction has been largely negative, with the ATP and WTA , the governing bodies of the men's and women's professional tennis circuits, both deciding whether to impose penalties.

Action against Wimbledon and the preceding grass-court tournaments run by the Lawn Tennis Association could include the removal of ranking points.

Nadal, who is a member of the ATP Player Council, added: "The 2,000 points, whenever we go to the grand slams, they are really important and we have to go to those tournaments. So we will have to see the measures that we take.

"At the end of the day, what happens in our game, it doesn't have any importance when we can see so many people dying and suffering and seeing the bad situation they are having in Ukraine."

SKY
 
Sir Andy is correct.

This has gone too far.
 
<b>Uefa announces further sanctions on Russian clubs and national teams amid Ukraine invasion</b>

Russia have been barred from competing in this summer's women's Euro 2022, while Russian clubs will also be banned from Uefa competitions next season, says Europe's football governing body.

Uefa has announced that Russia's bid to host the men's Euro 2028 or Euro 2032 tournaments is now ineligible too.

The sanctions come amid Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine.

In February, Russian clubs and national teams were suspended by Fifa and Uefa "until further notice".

On Monday, Uefa announced that Portugal - who lost to Russia in the play-offs - will replace them at Euro 2022, which takes place in July.

Russia's women's national team will also no longer compete in European qualification for the 2023 World Cup, while the men's side is barred from the 2022-23 Nations League.

They will automatically be ranked fourth in group two of League B, meaning they will be relegated at the end of the group phase.

The ban imposed on clubs means there will be no Russian teams in the men's and women's Champions League, Europa League, or Europa Conference League during the 2022-23 campaign.

In March, Uefa confirmed Russia had declared an interest in hosting Euro 2028 - as well as the UK and Ireland, and Turkey - and the 2032 edition.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia's interest was "beyond satire" and "beyond comprehension".

Uefa said the bid was ineligible in accordance with article 16.02 of the Bid Regulations, which states that "each bidder shall ensure that it does not act in a manner that could bring Uefa, any other bidder, the bidding procedure or European football into disrepute".

Uefa's latest sanctions also ban Russia from the 2021-23 European Under-21 Championship, as well as youth and futsal competitions.

An updated qualifying process for the Champions League has been published, which shows benefits for Scottish teams.

The Premiership champions will go directly into the competition's group stages, while the second-placed side will now go into the third round of qualifying rather than the second.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61301238
 
James said:
<b>Uefa announces further sanctions on Russian clubs and national teams amid Ukraine invasion</b>

Russia have been barred from competing in this summer's women's Euro 2022, while Russian clubs will also be banned from Uefa competitions next season, says Europe's football governing body.

Uefa has announced that Russia's bid to host the men's Euro 2028 or Euro 2032 tournaments is now ineligible too.

The sanctions come amid Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine.

In February, Russian clubs and national teams were suspended by Fifa and Uefa "until further notice".

On Monday, Uefa announced that Portugal - who lost to Russia in the play-offs - will replace them at Euro 2022, which takes place in July.

Russia's women's national team will also no longer compete in European qualification for the 2023 World Cup, while the men's side is barred from the 2022-23 Nations League.

They will automatically be ranked fourth in group two of League B, meaning they will be relegated at the end of the group phase.

The ban imposed on clubs means there will be no Russian teams in the men's and women's Champions League, Europa League, or Europa Conference League during the 2022-23 campaign.

In March, Uefa confirmed Russia had declared an interest in hosting Euro 2028 - as well as the UK and Ireland, and Turkey - and the 2032 edition.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia's interest was "beyond satire" and "beyond comprehension".

Uefa said the bid was ineligible in accordance with article 16.02 of the Bid Regulations, which states that "each bidder shall ensure that it does not act in a manner that could bring Uefa, any other bidder, the bidding procedure or European football into disrepute".

Uefa's latest sanctions also ban Russia from the 2021-23 European Under-21 Championship, as well as youth and futsal competitions.

An updated qualifying process for the Champions League has been published, which shows benefits for Scottish teams.

The Premiership champions will go directly into the competition's group stages, while the second-placed side will now go into the third round of qualifying rather than the second.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61301238
Click to expand...

Wow. I imagine they will react to this.
 
This is going too far, sports and politics shouldn't mix
 
The Premier League will discuss whether it should end its £43m six-year deal with Russian broadcaster Match TV at this week's annual general meeting.

The previous deal with Rambler was suspended in March following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

That contract expired at the end of the season, with one for the 2022-23 campaign set to begin in August.

The Premier League's association with the gambling industry is also set to be discussed.

Half of the league's 20 clubs had betting firms on their shirts last season and a proposal to ban clubs from having betting sponsors was included in a draft white paper, sources told BBC Sport last month.

The Premier League has previously suggested self-regulation was the preferred way forward. On Tuesday, Wolves revealed global payment solutions provider AstroPay will replace international gaming company ManBetX as their main shirt sponsor next season.

Russian broadcast deal up for discussion
With no easing of the conflict in Ukraine, Premier League clubs must decide how to proceed on their Russian broadcast deal.

Match TV is owned by Gazprom Media, which is backed by the Russian government.

The length of the contract means it is more valuable than if it had just covered three years as is usually the case.

Under the circumstances, it is thought scrapping the deal altogether would be easier than suspending it, if the contractual position allows.

Busy fixture schedule before World Cup
Meanwhile, BBC Sport understands the new Premier League fixtures - announced on 16 June - are likely to include a mid-week round of matches that clash with the 1 September transfer deadline.

The World Cup in Qatar creates a calendar issue and the Premier League had already said the season would pause after Round 16 which will be played over 12 and 13 November.

With the opening round of fixtures taking place on 6 August and an international break at the end of September, there are only 14 weekend slots before the tournament.

With all six European group-stage matches also taking place before the World Cup and the EFL Cup third round on 8 November, there is one mid-week slot available in October where a round of Premier League games will be played.

There are four mid-week slots in August, but the first three are being used for Uefa club competition qualifiers - West Ham are involved in the Europa Conference League play-offs on 18 and 25 August.

The Premier League has opted to use the final one, with matches potentially being scheduled across three days for the benefit of TV.

BBC
 
Bernie Ecclestone saying he'd "take a bullet" for Vladimir Putin does not represent the "modern values" of Formula One, a spokesman for the motoring body has said.

F1 issued a statement after its former chief executive described Mr Putin as "sensible" and "a first class person" who "believed he was doing the right thing for Russia".

Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain on Thursday morning, Mr Ecclestone said: "Unfortunately he's like a lot of business people, certainly like me, that we make mistakes from time to time and when you make the mistake, you have to do the best you can to get out of it."

A Formula One spokesman said: "The comments made by Bernie Ecclestone are his personal views and are in very stark contrast to the position of the modern values of our sport."

The 91-year-old billionaire businessman also criticised Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not making enough effort to reach out to his Russian rival.

Ecclestone said: "The other person in Ukraine, his profession I understand, used to be a comedian - and I think it seems that he wants to continue that profession.

"I think if he'd thought about things, he would definitely have made a big enough effort to speak to Putin, who is a sensible person, and would have listened to him and could have probably done something about it."

When it was pointed out that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, Mr Ecclestone simply replied: "It wasn't intentional".

And when asked if he was suggesting Mr Zelenskyy should "have done more to avert the war - and that it could have been avoided by Zelenskyy's actions, not by a change in Putin's actions", the motoring magnate said: "Absolutely."

"I'm quite sure Ukraine, if they'd wanted to get out of it properly, could have done," he added.

Mr Ecclestone said he had not spoken to his "friend" since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

But he said: "I'm absolutely sure he now wishes he hadn't started this whole business - but it didn't start as a war."

He also criticised the ban on Russian athletes in response to Moscow's military intervention.

Quizzed about whether the Russian Grand Prix should be removed from the F1 calendar and the ban on Russian drivers, Mr Ecclestone said: "I'm not in the position now to have done anything about that.

"I'm not sure I would have stopped that, and I certainly now wouldn't, and I think it's wrong, to stop Russian athletes, including obviously drivers, in taking part in their sport.

"They didn't get involved in this in the first place. They shouldn't be punished."

SKY
 
<b>Russian appeals against bans from Fifa and Uefa dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport</b>

Appeals by the Russian football federation (FUR) and some of its clubs against bans from international and European football have been rejected.

The country's clubs and national team were suspended from all competitions by Fifa and Uefa in February following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Six appeals were launched against the decision but have been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

The FUR says it could now appeal to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.

Cas held hearings over video with the parties involved on 5 and 11 July.

"The panel determined that the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the public and government responses worldwide, created unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances to which Fifa and Uefa had to respond," said a Cas statement.

"In determining that Russian teams and clubs should not participate in competitions under their aegis while such circumstances persisted, the panel held that both parties acted within the scope of the discretion granted to them under their respective statutes and regulations."

In April, Russia dropped an appeal against the country being suspended from the 2022 World Cup by Fifa.

However, the FUR continued with an appeal against Fifa and Uefa, while Zenit St Petersburg, Sochi, CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow appealed against Uefa.

The Cas statement added: "The panel found it unnecessary to characterise the nature of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but only to focus on the consequences of such conflict for the competitions affected.

"The panel finds it unfortunate that the current military operations in Ukraine, for which Russian football teams, clubs and players have themselves no responsibility, had, by reason of the decisions of Fifa and Uefa, such an adverse effect on them and Russian football generally, but those effects were, in the panel's view, offset by the need for the secure and orderly conduct of football events for the rest of the world."

The FUR said it "strongly disagrees" with the Cas decision and a "decision on further actions will be made after the analysis of the grounds for the Cas panel's decisions".

It added: "The options may include appeal to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland and filing claims to Cas related to compensation for financial losses incurred by the FUR as the result of Uefa and Fifa's actions."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62177721
 
Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk are demanding 50m euros (£43m) damages from Fifa for lost transfer fees.

In June, football's world governing body ruled that foreign players in the country could suspend their contracts following Russia's invasion.

The club have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"We had to do this because of Fifa's highly unfair ruling," Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin told BBC Sport.

"The consequences mean we will continue to lose significant income from deals we expected to close.

"We would also like to highlight that given the situation Ukrainian clubs are facing with the war, there has been little respect shown towards these clubs by Fifa.

"Fifa has not looked to protect clubs and at no stage consulted with us to find a solution - they have seemingly ignored the perilous state that Ukrainian football clubs have been facing since the beginning of the war."

Shakhtar, regulars in the Champions League, argue they lost money on four players who left the club after the players' contracts were suspended following Fifa's ruling.

In a letter to CAS seen by the BBC, Palkin revealed: "Because of Fifa's decision, FC Shakhtar has lost a chance to transfer four foreign players for the total amount of about €50m.

"Four foreign players immediately withdrew from further negotiations regarding their potential transfers.

"The players' agents advised them to withdraw from negotiations in order to leave the club without any compensation, which would allow them to secure more lucrative arrangements with new employers."

Fifa ruled on 21 June that, unless they reached an agreement with their club by 30 June, foreign players and coaches could suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs until 30 June 2023.

Shakhtar had 14 foreign players in their squad and intended to sell some of those players in order to raise funds to cover their loss of earnings.

Their revenue streams have been decimated by the Russian invasion and the 13-time Ukrainian champions had hoped to recoup money both to cover the club's losses and assist their humanitarian response to the war.

However, they said they had just over a week to finalise any deals with players before they could unilaterally suspend their contracts, and that meant buying clubs and agents therefore waited to avoid paying transfer fees.

In the letter to CAS, Shakhtar said midfielder Manor Solomon stopped his permanent transfer to Fulham because of the Fifa ruling, and Brazilian midfielder Mateus Cardoso Lemos Martins' scheduled move to Olympique Lyonnais also fell through.

Palkin previously criticised agents who he claimed were exploiting the war in Ukraine for their own benefit by 'stealing' players and asking for fees to be paid directly to them rather than the club itself.

"In absence of any reaction from Fifa, we will have no choice but to seek for damages compensation from the competent courts," added Palkin.

"I believe more meaningful support initiative to Ukrainian clubs is needed from Fifa."

Ukraine's top league was initially suspended and then terminated on 27 April because of the ongoing war.

The BBC has contacted Fifa for comment.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fenerbahçe fans chanting “Vladimir Putin” after a Dynamo Kyiv player celebrated scoring in this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> qualifier.<br><br>Absolutely tasteless <a href="https://t.co/NocU0MTpbk">pic.twitter.com/NocU0MTpbk</a></p>— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nicocantor1/status/1552366608277987328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Euro 2024: Russia banned from tournament, Uefa confirms

Russia has been banned from qualification for Euro 2024 following the invasion of Ukraine, Uefa has confirmed.

The country and its clubs have been banned from Uefa and Fifa competitions since the conflict began in February.

The qualifying draw for Euro 2024, which will be hosted by Germany, will take place in Frankfurt on 9 October.

Russia appealed against the bans to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), however these were dismissed in July.

The initial decision to ban Russian teams was made by Uefa's executive committee on 28 February 2022 and then upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 15 July.

In a statement, Uefa added: "Russia is therefore not included in the Uefa European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw."

Russia has also been banned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were removed from March's qualifying play-offs for the tournament.

The women's team were excluded from this summer's European Championship, with Portugal taking their place.

The country's club sides were banned from this season's Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League with Uefa also ending Russian energy giant Gazprom's sponsorship deal.

The 2022 Champions League final was originally set to be played in St Petersburg, but was moved to Paris.

BBC
 
UEFA has been “constantly monitoring the situation” in Belarus and could yet take “further decisions” against the eastern European nation, after troops from the country were deployed with Russian forces near Ukraine on Monday.
 
daytrader said:
Euro 2024: Russia banned from tournament, Uefa confirms

Russia has been banned from qualification for Euro 2024 following the invasion of Ukraine, Uefa has confirmed.

The country and its clubs have been banned from Uefa and Fifa competitions since the conflict began in February.

The qualifying draw for Euro 2024, which will be hosted by Germany, will take place in Frankfurt on 9 October.

Russia appealed against the bans to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), however these were dismissed in July.

The initial decision to ban Russian teams was made by Uefa's executive committee on 28 February 2022 and then upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 15 July.

In a statement, Uefa added: "Russia is therefore not included in the Uefa European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw."

Russia has also been banned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were removed from March's qualifying play-offs for the tournament.

The women's team were excluded from this summer's European Championship, with Portugal taking their place.

The country's club sides were banned from this season's Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League with Uefa also ending Russian energy giant Gazprom's sponsorship deal.

The 2022 Champions League final was originally set to be played in St Petersburg, but was moved to Paris.

BBC
Click to expand...

Yet the zionest state of israel is openly welcomed to all major sporting events with open arms. Infact UEFA allow it to participate in champions league cup competitions as well as the European championships!
 
daytrader said:
Euro 2024: Russia banned from tournament, Uefa confirms

Russia has been banned from qualification for Euro 2024 following the invasion of Ukraine, Uefa has confirmed.

The country and its clubs have been banned from Uefa and Fifa competitions since the conflict began in February.

The qualifying draw for Euro 2024, which will be hosted by Germany, will take place in Frankfurt on 9 October.

Russia appealed against the bans to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), however these were dismissed in July.

The initial decision to ban Russian teams was made by Uefa's executive committee on 28 February 2022 and then upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 15 July.

In a statement, Uefa added: "Russia is therefore not included in the Uefa European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw."

Russia has also been banned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were removed from March's qualifying play-offs for the tournament.

The women's team were excluded from this summer's European Championship, with Portugal taking their place.

The country's club sides were banned from this season's Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League with Uefa also ending Russian energy giant Gazprom's sponsorship deal.

The 2022 Champions League final was originally set to be played in St Petersburg, but was moved to Paris.

BBC
Click to expand...

But according to some, Sports and Politics dont mix.
 
Robert said:
Of course they do. Everything is political.
Click to expand...

Then I think its best for a new organistion for football, one which is run by China, Russia, South Asia and the Middle East. They can then play each other and ban westerners.

Sport is a tool to unite people. If people dont understand this, they dont understand sport at all.
 
Manunited18 said:
Yet the zionest state of israel is openly welcomed to all major sporting events with open arms. Infact UEFA allow it to participate in champions league cup competitions as well as the European championships!
Click to expand...

Yes Israel play in European leagues but claim to sole owners of the holy land lol.
 
Bosnia's planned friendly in Russia has been postponed after widespread criticism.

The match was scheduled for 19 November in St Petersburg, a day before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

Bosnia did not qualify for the World Cup, while Russia have been banned from international competition after the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko and midfielder Miralem Pjanic had both objected to the match taking place.

On Monday, Bosnia's Football Association (NFSBIH) said the match would not go ahead and said in a statement: "President Vico Zeljkovic stated that the playing of this friendly match will be extended for some future date."

Inter Milan striker Dzeko had previously told Klix: "I am against the playing of this match. I am always and only for peace. The association knows my opinion.

"Unfortunately, I am not the one who makes the decisions with whom Bosnia and Herzegovina will play, but I have my position which is clear and which does not include playing this match, while innocent people are suffering. I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in these difficult times for them."

Former Barcelona and Juventus midfielder Pjanic, who now plays for UAE side Sharjah, was also previously quoted as saying: "The decision is not good. I am speechless. In the national football association, they know what I think."

The mayor of Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital, Benjamina Karic, had also condemned the decision.
 
<b>Russia may consider switching to Asian football federation</b>

The Russian Football Union (RFU) may consider switching its football federation membership to Asia from Europe, Russian news agencies quoted RFU head Alexander Dyukov has said.

“A few months ago, I said that Asia was premature,” the RIA news agency quoted Dyukov as saying. “But now, it is an opportunity that we should consider.”

Global and European football’s governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, decided in February that all Russian teams, whether national or club sides, would be suspended from participation in FIFA and UEFA competitions after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July dismissed appeals filed by the RFU and four Russian clubs against FIFA and UEFA’s decision to ban them from all competition until further notice.

“I have not spoken to representatives from Asia yet because there is UEFA. They consider us a member of the European family,” Dyukov said. “It would be unseemly of us to start negotiations over their heads.”

Al Jazeera
 
American basketball star Brittney Griner was headed home on Thursday after being freed from a Russian prison in a swap for Viktor Bout, the notorious arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.”

President Joe Biden announced Griner’s release in an address to the nation and Moscow confirmed she had been exchanged in Abu Dhabi for Bout, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States.

“She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” Biden said, adding that he had spoken to Griner and she was in “good spirits” after a “terrible ordeal.”

The 32-year-old Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion and LGBT trailblazer, was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport in February against a backdrop of soaring tensions over Ukraine.

Another American held in Russia, Paul Whelan, a former US Marine detained in 2018 and accused of spying, was not part of the prisoner exchange and he told CNN he was “greatly disappointed.”

“I don’t understand why I’m still sitting here,” Whelan told the US television network in a phone call from the Russian penal colony where he is imprisoned.

Biden pledged to continue to seek Whelan’s freedom, saying “we will never give up.” “Sadly, for totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case different than Brittney’s,” he said.

Griner was accused of possession of vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil and sentenced in August to nine years in prison.

Biden said Griner’s release was the result of “painstaking and intense negotiations” and she would need time to recover from “needless trauma” after being “wrongfully detained.”

Biden made the announcement at the White House flanked by Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“I’m just standing here, overwhelmed with emotions,” Cherelle Griner said, describing her wife’s imprisonment as “one of the darkest moments of my life.”

She also acknowledged Whelan’s fate, saying: “Today my family is whole, but as you all are aware there’s so many other families who are not whole.”

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert welcomed Griner’s freedom saying there was a “collective wave of joy and relief” in the women’s professional league where the 6’9“ (2.06 meter) Griner has been a star for a decade.

Former president Barack Obama tweeted “kudos to @POTUS and his administration for the difficult diplomatic work involved to make it happen.”

Biden publicly thanked the United Arab Emirates for helping “facilitate” Griner’s release and the UAE issued a joint statement with Saudi Arabia saying it was the result of “mediation efforts” by leaders of the two Arab nations.

Griner and Bout were flown to Abu Dhabi by private planes, the statement said, and were exchanged “in the presence of specialists from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.” Biden said Griner was expected back in the United States within 24 hours.

Rescue our compatriot
At the time of her arrest, Griner had been in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team, during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury.

She pleaded guilty to the charges against her, but said she did not intend to break the law or use the banned substance in Russia.

Griner testified that she had permission from a US doctor to use medicinal cannabis to relieve pain from her many injuries.

The use of medical marijuana is not allowed in Russia.

The Russian foreign ministry said it had been negotiating with Washington to secure Bout’s release “for a long time” and that initially the United States had “refused dialogue” on including him in any swap.

“Nevertheless, the Russian Federation continued to actively work to rescue our compatriot,” it said. “The Russian citizen has been returned to his homeland.”

The 55-year-old Bout, who was accused of arming rebels in some of the world’s bloodiest conflicts, was arrested in a US sting operation in Thailand in 2008, extradited to the United States and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years in prison.

The 2005 film “Lord of War” starring Nicolas Cage was based in part on Bout’s arms trafficking exploits and he has been the subject of several books and TV shows.

Asked about Bout’s release, a senior US defense official said “there is a concern that he would return to doing the same kind of work that he’s done in the past. “
 
World Cup organiser FIFA has rejected a request from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to deliver a message of world peace ahead of the tournament's final in Qatar on Sunday, CNN reported.

As per the outlet, Mr Zelensky wanted to deliver a message via video to fans in the stadium in Qatar ahead of the game but was surprised by the negative response. However. CNN reported that talks between Ukraine and the sport's governing body are still ongoing.

The Ukrainian President has repeatedly appealed for peace and assistance on the world stage at government and cultural events, including to Israel's parliament, US lawmakers, the Grammy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival and the G20 summit. Mr Zelensky has also done interviews and conversations with a diverse array of journalists and famous entertainers, including Sean Paul and David Letterman.

FIFA, on the other hand, has gone to extreme lengths to keep political messaging out of its showcase tournament in Qatar. According to CNN, criticism of Qatar's treatment of LGBTQ people and migrant workers grew louder in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. To this, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino responded with an explosive tirade and accused Europe and the West of hypocrisy.

FIFA also banned players from wearing rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands and barred fans from displaying flags besides those of the teams at play and other political messaging. However, the world cup organisers have made an exception for the Palestinian flag, which has been featured predominantly during the games.

Meanwhile, Russia's team was banned from the tournament after the invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have been pounding Ukraine with missile barrages in recent weeks, hitting energy infrastructure in an apparent attempt to freeze Ukrainians into submission during the winter.

NDTV
 
Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from playing in the 2022 tournament "changed nothing", says world number five Aryna Sabalenka.

Belarusian Sabalenka was one of several top players to miss out on the Grand Slam, after Wimbledon imposed the ban following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Organisers were subsequently fined and the tournament was stripped of its ranking points by the ATP and WTA.

"I'm just really disappointed sport is somehow in politics," said Sabalenka.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/64138680
 
MenInG said:
Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from playing in the 2022 tournament "changed nothing", says world number five Aryna Sabalenka.
Click to expand...

Precisely. How dare these countries ban players for a war but allow their own despite countless wars of their own.
 
The Australian Open women's singles trophy bears the name of Aryna Sabalenka, but not of Belarus - her country of birth.

The new champion was playing as a neutral athlete in Melbourne last month, just as all Russians and Belarusians have been since the invasion of Ukraine.

With one notable exception. The grass courts of the UK were off limits last summer as the All England Club and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) decided with "deep regret" to decline all entries from those two countries.

The announcement was generally very well received in the UK. But within the sport of tennis it caused enormous ill-feeling, led to the removal of ranking points at Wimbledon and resulted in large fines being issued to the LTA governing body for breaching its contracts with the ATP and WTA Tours.

Over the next few weeks, the All England Club and the LTA will finalise how they are going to proceed this year.

The early indications are that Sabalenka will be seen alongside Victoria Azarenka and Daniil Medvedev on the grass this summer - although the stringency of the conditions attached and how that will be presented to a domestic audience are still being fiercely debated.

BBC
 
bones said:
Precisely. How dare these countries ban players for a war but allow their own despite countless wars of their own.
Click to expand...

The All-England Club has never started a war, let alone “countless wars”, being incapable of doing either, as it is not even one country, let alone “these countries”.
 
Paris Olympics: Up to 40 countries could boycott Games, says Poland sports minister

Up to 40 countries could boycott the next Olympic Games, making the whole event pointless, said Poland's sport and tourism minister Kamil Bortniczuk.

His comments came after Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia jointly rejected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in 2024.

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if that occurs.

But the IOC said on Thursday that any boycott would only "punish athletes".

Bortniczuk said he believed it would be possible to build a coalition of 40 countries, including Great Britain, the United States and Canada, to support a block on the IOC's plans before a meeting on 10 February.

He added: "Considering this I don't think we will face tough decisions before the Olympics and, if we were to boycott the Games, the coalition we will be a part of will be broad enough to make holding the Games pointless."

The IOC announced last week that it would "explore a pathway" to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris under a neutral flag, adding that "no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport".

The move prompted condemnation, with the UK Government saying the plan was a "world away from the reality of war".

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/64503198
 
Up to 40 countries could boycott the next Olympic Games, making the whole event pointless, said Poland's sport and tourism minister Kamil Bortniczuk.

His comments came after Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia jointly rejected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in 2024.

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if that occurs.

But the IOC said on Thursday that any boycott would only "punish athletes".
 
MenInG said:
Up to 40 countries could boycott the next Olympic Games, making the whole event pointless, said Poland's sport and tourism minister Kamil Bortniczuk.

His comments came after Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia jointly rejected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in 2024.

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if that occurs.

But the IOC said on Thursday that any boycott would only "punish athletes".
Click to expand...

Let them compete under the Olympic Flag. Then the protest is made to Moscow, yet the innocent Russian athletes are not punished for Putin’s actions.
 
Paris Olympics 2024: Nordic nations join calls for ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes to be upheld

The Olympic committees of five Nordic nations have backed calls for the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes to be upheld for the Paris 2024 Games.

In a joint statement the Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish committees said: "Now is not the right time to consider their return."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said Russians and Belarusians may be allowed to compete as neutrals.

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if that plan goes ahead.

Last week, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland all voiced their opposition to the inclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus, who were banned following the former's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Latvia's Foreign Minister said it would be "unacceptable" for athletes from the two countries to participate in 2024, while Poland's sport and tourism minister believes as many as 40 countries could boycott the next Olympics - thus making the whole event "pointless".

The Nordic Olympic and Paralympic Committees and Confederations of Sports said on Tuesday that they wanted to reaffirm their "steadfast support with the Ukrainian people and the demand for peace".

"The situation with the war in Ukraine has not changed. Now is not the right time to consider their return; that is our position," they added.

The IOC called on federations to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine and banned the nations from the Winter Paralympics in March 2022 - though athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral flag.

Further sanctions were announced across other sports, including football, rugby, Formula 1, cycling and swimming, while Russian and Belarusian tennis players were banned from playing at Wimbledon.

However, the IOC said last month that it would "explore a pathway" for athletes from the two nations to compete at Paris 2024.

That move has been criticised in a joint statement from Athletes for Ukraine and athlete association Global Athlete, which said the decision shows the IOC "endorses Russia's brutal war and invasion of Ukraine".

The UK government condemned the plan as a "world away from the reality of war".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says allowing Russia to compete in Paris would amount to showing that "terror is somehow acceptable".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/64559702
 
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has urged the International Olympic Committee not to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral banner in Paris next year, saying any medals they win will be "medals of blood".
 
The International Olympic Committee has urged Ukraine to drop threats of boycotting Paris 2024 if Russian and Belarusian athletes compete.

IOC president Thomas Bach has told Ukraine's Olympic Committee that such threats are "extremely regrettable".

In response, Athletes for Ukraine accused the IOC of being "on the wrong side of history".

Ukraine is hoping to gain international support for a ban on athletes from the two countries over Russia's invasion.

The IOC has said it will "explore a pathway" for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals.

Ukraine's sports minister, Vadym Guttsait, who is also president of its Olympic Committee, responded by saying the country could boycott the Paris Games, with several other European nations since also calling for the ban to be upheld.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said allowing Russian athletes to compete at the 2024 Olympics would amount to showing that "terror is somehow acceptable".

In a letter from Bach to Guttsait, which has been seen by the BBC, the IOC president says comments from Ukrainian officials suggesting allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes would promote the war are "defamatory".

Bach added that threatening a boycott is "premature" because the IOC has not discussed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals in "concrete terms yet".

He also accused Ukraine of "pressuring" international federations, IOC members and future Olympic hosts "in an attempt to publicly influence their decision making" and claims this has been "perceived by the vast majority of them as, at the very least, extremely regrettable".

Bach said Ukrainian athletes have the "unanimous support" of the Olympic movement and that "we all feel the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people in this cruel war".

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC called on sports federations to exclude athletes, officials and teams from Russia and Belarus from international events but Bach has also said he is conscious of the impact such sanctions have on the athletes.

In his letter, he cited a United Nations resolution that said "any form of discrimination is incompatible with the Olympic movement" and two UN special rapporteurs expressing concerns over a total ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes being discriminatory. Bach said these were reasons for considering their inclusion as neutrals.

He added that a boycott would be a "violation of the Olympic charter" and goes against the "fundamentals" and "principles" of the Olympic movement.

In response to Bach's letter, Athletes for Ukraine and athlete association Global Athlete said the IOC "continues to be on the wrong side of history" and had an "inverted stance toward the aggressor and the victim of this war" which they believe contravenes the Olympic charter.

They added that by being so critical of the boycott threat, the IOC is "denying Ukraine's right to sovereignty".

Earlier this month, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland all voiced their opposition to the inclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus, before the Olympic committees of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden followed suit.

Poland's sport and tourism minister believes as many as 40 countries could boycott the next Olympics - thus making the whole event "pointless".

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, does not want Russia to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games while the war in Ukraine continues.

The UK Government condemned the IOC's plan to look at Russian and Belarusian inclusion as a "world away from the reality of war".

World Athletics stressed that athletes from those countries remained excluded from its events.

The IOC banned Russia and Belarus from the Winter Paralympics in March 2022 - though athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral flag.

Further sanctions were announced across other sports, including football, rugby, Formula 1, cycling and swimming, while Russian and Belarusian tennis players were banned from playing at Wimbledon last year.

Russia was banned from the previous summer Olympics in Tokyo as part of sanctions for doping scandals, though more than 300 athletes across 30 sports were able to compete, representing the Russian Olympic Committee.

Wimbledon is yet to announce if the ban it imposed last year will continue, but Russia and Belarusian players have competed at other Grand Slams, with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka winning January's Australian Open under a neutral flag.

Bach cited the example of Sabalenka in his letter and said the IOC's discussions on Russian and Belarusian involvement were "in line" with what happened at the Australian Open, with no "flags, national symbols or signs supporting the war" to be displayed.

Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, who wants Russian and Belarusian players to remain banned from this year's Wimbledon, said "I don't think the neutral flag is changing anything".

Last month, President Zelensky said that "any neutral flag of Russian athletes is stained with blood".
 
The United Kingdom is among more than 30 countries that have pledged support to an ongoing ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international sporting events amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
 
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