Ukraine’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, has criticised the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for lifting restrictions on Russian and Belarusian competitors in international motorsport.
The restrictions were introduced in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The FIA World Motor Sport Council voted on August 3 to remove the restrictions, following a similar move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Bidnyi argued that the circumstances that led to the original ban have not changed, as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.
He said the decision was a major disappointment for Ukraine and could weaken international pressure on Russia.
“Russia continues full-scale aggression against Ukraine,” Bidnyi said, adding that Belarus continues to provide military support to Russia while Ukrainian civilians are still being killed.
The Ukrainian minister also accused Russia of using elite sport for state propaganda, describing it as a form of “sportswashing.”
According to the Ukrainian government, the war has had a devastating impact on the country’s sporting community, with hundreds of athletes and coaches reportedly killed and numerous sports facilities destroyed.
The FIA, however, said it would continue to prohibit the organisation of motorsport events and competitions in Russia and Belarus. It said the updated conditions for Russian and Belarusian drivers, competitors, national teams and officials were introduced in line with the IOC’s decision and similar measures adopted by other international sporting bodies.
Bidnyi maintained that the restrictions should remain in place until the conditions that originally led to the sanctions change.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: