Two of Russia’s major sporting codes, Rugby and Football have been suspended after the aggressive invasion of their European counterparts, Ukraine.
World Rugby said in a statement on Monday, 28 February that it has suspended Russia and Belarus from all international rugby and cross-border club rugby activities until further notice.
According to the governing body, their decision is based on the interests of rugby’s values of solidarity, integrity and respect at heart.
“The World Rugby Executive Committee has decided to take immediate additional steps to protect the rugby family and take a strong stance against the conflict in line with recommendations by the International Olympic Committee.
“World Rugby also remains in contact with colleagues at the Ukraine Rugby Federation and has pledged its full support to the rugby community in the country,” the statement said.
However, World Rugby did not stipulate what is going to happen to Russia’s qualifying process as they are still involved in the final European qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Russia was supposed to play their qualifying match against log leaders Georgia, IOL reported.
Also read: Blue and yellow lights set to illuminate solidarity with Ukraine in Cape Town
Meanwhile, football organisations FIFA and UEFA have also decided that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.
According to FIFA, the decisions were adopted by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people,” FIFA reiterated.
Also read:
War is stupid… but if you buy the war propaganda you may be even more stupid!
Picture: Unsplash