The International Swimming Federation opposes the exclusion of the Russians and Belarus... and decides to be neutral
The International Swimming Federation announced Tuesday that it opposes banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from sporting activities despite the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee to exclude them, in a decision adopted by many sports bodies and federations against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The International Federation said in a statement that its executive office "continues to oppose the general ban imposed on all Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, and maintains its position to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in its competitions in a neutral manner."
Nevertheless, FINA, which confirmed that its decision was supported by an "overwhelming majority of the Athletes Committee", amended its laws to review the participation of athletes and emergency officials on a case-by-case basis, and thus could prevent Russians and Belarusians from participating if "their presence threatens." safety and well-being of athletes or threaten the conduct of competition.”
Many national and international federations such as football, athletics, figure skating, biathlon, rugby, boxing... Since the beginning of the war on Ukraine have taken more stringent measures than the FINA, targeting Russian and sometimes Belarusian athletes.
Following a video meeting organized last Thursday at the initiative of the British government, ministers responsible for sport from 37 countries, including Germany, the Baltic states, the United States, Finland and France, expressed their support for measures aimed at excluding athletes from Russia and Belarus, revoking the honor of hosting sporting events for these countries and limiting Of sponsorship contracts that include Russian and Belarusian entities.
"We call on all international sports federations to uphold these principles and applaud all those who did so," said a statement issued by the British government on Tuesday.
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