The Federation of Irish Sport condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war on Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian sport.
Sports bodies, along with the Irish Government, European and international counterparts, have introduced a range of sporting, economic and financial sanctions against Russia and related businesses and individuals.
The International Olympic Committee has issued a resolution recommending that International Federations and event organisers do not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions. The International Paralympic Committee has issued a decision banning Russian and Belarusian participants taking part in the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
38 Government Sport Ministers from around the globe including Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers have signed a statement on Russia’s War on Ukraine & International Sport and as a collective of like-minded nations have affirmed support for international sport organisations’ position that:
- Russia and Belarus should not be permitted to host, bid for, or be awarded any international sporting events.
- Individual athletes selected by Russia and Belarus, administrators and teams representing the Russian or Belarusian state should be banned from competing in other countries, including those representing bodies, cities or brands that are effectively representing Russia or Belarus, such as major football clubs.
- Wherever possible, appropriate actions should be taken to limit sponsorship and other financial support from entities with links to the Russian or Belarusian states.
The Federation of Irish Sport endorse these principles and applaud all those that have implemented them already. These restrictions should be in place until cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law has become possible again.
The Federation of Irish sport encourage all our members and the wider sport community in Ireland to continue to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Statement ends