April 02, (THEWILL) – World Skate has finally decided to ban Russian and Belarusian skaters and officials from participating in its tournaments, changing its previous decision to allow them to compete as neutrals.
This is in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its second month, and Belarus’ support for their Russian allies.
As THEWILL reported, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on February 28, proposed that Russia and Belarus be barred from participating in all international athletic events.
Many international sporting federations followed the IOC’s lead, creating a ripple effect throughout the sporting community.
Until recently, World Skate had chosen to follow the IOC’s lighter sanction of allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, which means they are not allowed to use their national emblems, colours, flags or anthems.
World Skate had already agreed not to hold any events in the two nations this year, but they went a step further on their pledge in a statement issued on the subject.
The statement read: “World Skate stands in solidarity with Ukraine and strongly supports the recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee on the participation of Russian and Belarusian (sic) athletes in international competitions.
“Accordingly, World Skate confirms that it will not allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in any of its international competitions, with immediate effect and until further notice.
“World Skate also clarifies that no events are scheduled to take place in Russia or Belarus in 2022. World Skate will continue to monitor the situation closely and may further adapt its measures according to future developments.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
