IOC urges sports activities our bodies to cancel occasions in Russia, Belarus

The International Olympic Committee urged sports activities our bodies Friday to cancel or transfer all occasions they plan to carry in Russia and Belarus, and cease utilizing the nations’ flags and nationwide anthems.

The request from the Olympic physique got here after UEFA moved the Champions League closing from St. Petersburg to suburban Paris, and after the governing physique of snowboarding and Formula One pulled upcoming races from Russia.

Volleyball and taking pictures each have world championships scheduled to be held in Russia. There can be a World Cup qualifying playoff match in opposition to Poland scheduled for March 24 in Moscow.

Russia breached the Olympic Truce by invading Ukraine on Thursday, solely 4 days after the closing ceremony of the Winter Games in Beijing. Some of the Russian troops entered Ukraine from Belarus, Russia’s ally.

It was the third Russian breach of the Olympic Truce up to now 14 years. Russia invaded Georgia in the course of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and annexed Crimea shortly after the tip of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The IOC mentioned governing our bodies ought to take the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarussian governments into consideration and provides the security and safety of the athletes absolute precedence.

The flags and nationwide anthems of Russia and Belarus must also not be used at worldwide sports activities occasions, the IOC mentioned after a gathering of its government board.

“The IOC (board) expresses its deep considerations in regards to the security of the members of the Olympic group in Ukraine and stands in full solidarity, it mentioned.

The IOC additionally gave full help to the International Paralympic Committee for the Winter Paralympics, which open subsequent month in Beijing.