Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the governing body of World Athletics has prohibited Russian participants from all competitions.
‘The world is shocked by what Russia has done, helped and abetted by Belarus,’ World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said in a statement.
‘World leaders tried diplomatically to prevent the invasion, but to no avail, given Russia’s unwavering desire to attack Ukraine.’
Any support employees and officials, as well as the athletes, will have their accreditation revoked and their entrance barred.
World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade22, and World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Muscat 22 are among the next events, which begin on Friday, March 4 in Oman.
‘The unprecedented sanctions put on Russia and Belarus by governments and industries around the world appear to be the only peaceful method to disrupt and disable Russia’s current ambitions and restore peace,’ Coe continued.
‘Anyone who knows me knows that placing sanctions on athletes as a result of their government’s conduct is counterproductive.
‘I’ve raged against politicians who use athletes and sports to make political points while other industries go about their business.’
‘This is different because sanctions and measures against Russia have been applied by governments, businesses, and other international organizations in many sectors.
‘Sport needs to stand up and join these efforts to end the war and bring peace back to the world.’ We can’t and shouldn’t miss out on this one.’
Numerous sports organizations, on the other hand, continued to allow Russian athletes to compete as ‘Authorized Neutral Athletes,’ a loophole that allowed Russia to compete in many international tournaments.
According to the organization, any Russian athletes who have been granted ANA status for 2022 will be barred from competing in World Athletics Series events for the foreseeable future.
However, according to MailOnline, Russian and Belarusian athletes may still be able to compete in the 2022 Winter Paralympics because their squad is already in China for an event on Friday.