Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on sports worldwide

[Karen-W]

FIG is removing all events from Russia and Belarus. They already removed the BLR flag from this week end’s competition in Germany.

FIG decision regarding the conflict in Europe

During its meeting today, the Executive Committee expressed its concern following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and decided on measures.

www.gymnastics.sport

Wish the ISU had this kind of spine. Good on FIG for taking this stand!

 

[Hedwig]

we can all write to the ISU to take the same kind of action.

 

[Sylvia]

Independent Iljukov quits RUSADA Supervisory Board over Russia invading Ukraine

Sergei Iljukov has resigned from the Russian Anti-Doping Agency Supervisory Board to protest Russia invading Ukraine.

www.insidethegames.biz

Sergei Iljukov has resigned from the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) Supervisory Board to protest Russia invading Ukraine.
Iljukov, who was serving as an independent member of the Supervisory Board on the recommendation of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said the resignation could be considered "my protest against" the Russian military action. [...]
Iljukov has worked in the anti-doping sphere in both Estonia and Finland previously.
Chair Natalia Dokolova, doctor Evgeny Achkasov, lawyer Evgeny Rashchevsky, Vladimir Chekhonin, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, plus Alexander Zamazy from the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and Kirill Masliev from the European Medical Centre, complete the RUSADA Supervisory Board.

He's an MD at University of Helsinki's Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine.

 

[Karen-W]

Sweden has also said they will refuse to play Russia in the FIFA playoffs - the winner of the Sweden/Czech Republic match was slated to play the winner of the Poland/Russia match that Poland has bowed out of playing next month.

Poland and Sweden will refuse to play Russia in World Cup 2022 playoffs

Poland’s FA and players said they will not play their World Cup qualifying playoff against Russia next month because of the invasion of Ukraine, with Sweden later adding their voice to the stance

www.theguardian.com

 

[Yehudi]

Many Belarusian and Ukrainian athletes are unable to return

Elizaveta Tischenko - Ukrainian born former member of Russian volleyball team/current FIVB official was visiting her parents in Kyivl. Can’t return to Switzerland where she’s been living since 2007.

Instagram

www.instagram.com

Melitina Staniuta was doing seminars in Spain, now is trying to find a job and place to stay.

Melitina Staniouta on Instagram: "NEED YOUT HELP W A JOB ! Yesterday all the world woke up with terrible news from Easter Europe . My heart is breaking , I have my closest friends who are hiding in bomb shelters or sleeping in metro. STOP THE WAR !

3,814 likes, 102 comments - melitinastaniouta on February 25, 2022: "NEED YOUT HELP W A JOB ! Yesterday all the world woke up with terrible news from Easter Europe . My heart is breaking , I have my closest friends who are hiding in bomb shelters or sleeping in metro. STOP THE WAR ! This...

www.instagram.com

 

[skatfan]

Wish the ISU had this kind of spine. Good on FIG for taking this stand!

Yes, it seems the ISU is in the "thoughts and prayers" mode right now. Wonder if the political calculus will change. I am very disappointed that US Figure Skating hasn't been more assertive publicly.

 

[Karen-W]

Interesting... Roman Abramovich is handing over stewardship of the Chelsea FC to their trustees - https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2...source=tw&utm_medium=orgsoc&utm_campaign=none

During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities. I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.

 

[MacMadame]

we can all write to the ISU to take the same kind of action.

But we shouldn't have to. What is wrong with them?

 

[PRlady]

But we shouldn't have to. What is wrong with them?

My fellow street protester, you shouldn’t need to ask. I’m sending a blistering letter later.

 

[ChelleC]

we can all write to the ISU to take the same kind of action.

I commented on the Facebook post yesterday.

 

[MacMadame]

My fellow street protester, you shouldn’t need to ask. I’m sending a blistering letter later.

True.

I am wondering if a petition would help? I think only if we could get sufficient numbers to sign.

 

[millyskate]

we can all write to the ISU to take the same kind of action.

Yes I'm wondering if there would be some kind of coordinated lobbying action one could take to this effect.

 

[Yehudi]

Alexei Shumsky, a former JGP finalist, who now lives in the US also posted this, calling out Russian skaters, including Ukrainian skaters who moved to Russia but are staying silent.

https://youtu.be/IMuP9OtSmaE

 

[danafan]

Russia will not be participating in two upcoming speed skating events:

Invasion de l'Ukraine - Les patineurs et shorttrackeurs russes n'iront pas aux Mondiaux

La Russie n'enverra aucun représentant aux Mondiaux de patinage de vitesse toutes distances du 3 au 6 mars à Hamar en Norvège ni aux Mondiaux juniors de shorttrack, prévus du 4 au 6 mars à Gdansk, en Pologne. La fédération russe de patinage l'a annoncé samedi, en raison de l'invasion de...

www.lalibre.be

 

[Sylvia]

ISU Statement on Ukraine and remaining ISU Events season 2021/22 (27 February 2022):

ISU Statement on Ukraine and remaining ISU Events season 2021/22 - International Skating Union

The ISU is witnessing with great disbelief the events unfolding in Ukraine and is deeply concerned about the safety of the skating family in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to all those affected and our thoughts are with the entire Ukrainian people and country. The ISU expresses its solidarity with...

www.isu.org

The ISU is witnessing with great disbelief the events unfolding in Ukraine and is deeply concerned about the safety of the skating family in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to all those affected and our thoughts are with the entire Ukrainian people and country. The ISU expresses its solidarity with all those affected by this conflict.

The ISU is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and also in the neighbouring countries where ISU Events are scheduled to be held during the coming weeks. Based on the currently available information, the ISU maintains all scheduled ISU Events as planned. It is to be noted that for the remainder of the current season 2021/22, there are no ISU Events planned in Russia and Belarus.

The ISU holds the safety of all Skaters as the highest priority and if additional security requirements are needed, the ISU will financially assist the organizing ISU Members in coping with this new situation.

Besides the developments in the Ukraine, the ISU is continually monitoring the pandemic situation and in particular the entry conditions in countries hosting ISU Events, as well as travel restrictions around the World. The ISU is currently faced with a critical situation for the holding of two ISU Championships in Canada during the ongoing season, namely the ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, scheduled to be held in Montreal on March 18-20, 2022 and the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships, scheduled to be held in Hamilton on April 7-9, 2022. Since the beginning of 2022, the Canadian Government has imposed a requirement that only foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization approved vaccine are permitted to enter Canada without a 14-day quarantine. Despite all possible efforts by the Canadian ISU Members (Speed Skating Canada and Skate Canada), it has been confirmed that there will be no exemption program in place for sporting events moving forward.

Even though the current restrictions might concern only a few ISU Members participating in the above-mentioned ISU Championships in Canada, it nevertheless results in an unsatisfactory situation for those ISU Members. Until today, the ISU Council had adopted a policy that does not allow the staging of ISU Championships under these circumstances and before the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, the ISU Council was prepared to consider re-allocation of the above-mentioned Championships to other ISU Members. However, due to the Ukrainian situation and related serious uncertainties, such relocation on short notice has become extremely complex and difficult.

Considering these truly extraordinary and exceptional circumstances the Council agreed that exceptional solutions must be applied. The Council consequently decided that:

1. The planned ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships 2022 in Montreal, CAN and the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2022 in Hamilton, CAN are maintained.
2. The ISU will financially support teams that have team members who do not fulfil the Canadian entry/vaccination requirements and who are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
3. The ISU will financially support organizing ISU Members for additional expenses arising from either the pandemic and/or additional security requirements.
4. The ISU Council strongly emphasizes that this is an exceptional decision based on the truly extraordinary and exceptional circumstances resulting from both the pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis situation.

The possible re-allocation of the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2022, which cannot be held as planned in Sofia, Bulgaria, remains under evaluation for a decision as soon as possible.

The ISU will keep ISU Members informed of any new developments.

 

[Karen-W]

Sooooo, business as usual for the ISU. Refusing to even consider removing any planned ISU events for next season from either Belarus or Russia instead of standing up for right and good.

 

[Rafter]

Sooooo, business as usual for the ISU. Refusing to even consider removing any planned ISU events for next season from either Belarus or Russia instead of standing up for right and good.

The ISU is completely gutless when it comes to Russia. It’s just disgusting.

In other news, France would support banning Russia from the 2022 World Cup.

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1497922524960935936?s=21

 

[MacMadame]

It is to be noted that for the remainder of the current season 2021/22, there are no ISU Events planned in Russia and Belarus.

So they are punting any action until next season.

 

[allezfred]

Wishful thinking, but Putin might be gone soon.

 

[text_skate]

FIFA is gutless as ever:

Bureau of the FIFA Council takes initial measures with regard to war in Ukraine

First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Violence is never a solution and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.

www.fifa.com

Russia is allowed to play, though not at home. So if other nations refuse to play play-offs, will the game marked as "lost"?

With regard to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, FIFA has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish Football Association, the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the Swedish Football Association and has already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations. FIFA will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together.

 

[Debbie S]

Sooooo, business as usual for the ISU. Refusing to even consider removing any planned ISU events for next season from either Belarus or Russia instead of standing up for right and good.

Should we expect anything different from the ISU?

 

[MichaelK]

Russia is allowed to play, though not at home. So if other nations refuse to play play-offs, will the game marked as "lost"?

I hope not, that would be scandalous.

 

[Allskate]

FIFA is gutless as ever

They seem to be using the IOC playbook. The Russians will play under the name "Football Union of Russia" instead of "Russia" and there will be no Russian flag or anthem. I'm sure that will teach Putin this time.

 

[Karen-W]

Ha! Severin Kiefer publicly calling out the ISU's shameful, toothless statement.

Watch this story by Severin Kiefer on Instagram before it disappears.

instagram.com

 

[MacMadame]

Wishful thinking, but Putin might be gone soon.

I don't think he'll be gone by Worlds though. So not making any statement about Russian skaters competing in the remaining ISU events is cowardice on their part IMO.

 

[Sylvia]

Ukraine invasion puts Russia's elite sports status at risk

The invasion of Ukraine could further undermine Russia's status as an elite sports dynasty, which already has been weakened by deception and doping scandals but often punished only by a tepid pushback from international sports bodies.

apnews.com

Norwegian politician Linda Helleland, a former vice president at the World Anti-Doping Agency and longtime critic of Russia, said she will promote a policy at the Council of Europe that urges sports organizations to exclude Russian athletes from international competitions. Upcoming events include next month’s world figure skating championships, World Cup soccer qualifying this spring and the world track and field championships in Oregon in July.

 

[danafan]

https://twitter.com/Devin_Heroux/status/1498064343866527744?s=20&t=rM9Wa8ui66nPjvd3XpXAhA

In an open letter addressed to IOC and IPC, Ukrainian Athletes are calling on IOC and IPC to immediately suspend Russian and Belarusian National Olympic and Paralympic Committees. Also calling on IPC to ban all athletes from international sport, including Beijing Paralympics.

 

[marbri]

I don't think he'll be gone by Worlds though. So not making any statement about Russian skaters competing in the remaining ISU events is cowardice on their part IMO.

To expand on this I am really curious what Federations the ISU will pay the bill for their 14 day quarantine in Canada for World Synchro Championships:

"The ISU will financially support teams that have team members who do not fulfil the Canadian entry/vaccination requirements and who are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine."

Because I can think of one synchro team that probably doesn't have the required vaccines to enter Canada and if they show up and the ISU pays their quarantine bill in this climate...

 

[Lara]

Just read the ISU statement. Wow. Shameful is right, they’re really testing whether I want to watch Worlds at all.

 

[Karen-W]

To expand on this I am really curious what Federations the ISU will pay the bill for their 14 day quarantine in Canada for World Synchro Championships:

"The ISU will financially support teams that have team members who do not fulfil the Canadian entry/vaccination requirements and who are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine."

Because I can think of one synchro team that probably doesn't have the required vaccines to enter Canada and if they show up and the ISU pays their quarantine bill in this climate...

I don't think that fed will be there. Canadian airspace has been restricted for all Russian airlines.