ukraineusatsi.jpg
USATSI

The sports world is rallying around Ukraine in wake of Russia's invasion. From banning events in Russia to suspending Russian athletes themselves, responses from the likes of the International Olympic Committee and FIFA have been forceful and plentiful. 

Russia brought a full-scale military attack to Ukraine last week in a move largely opposed by the international community. The U.S. has imposed sanctions against Russia, and the European Union and United Kingdom also committed to Russian sanctions. 

The sports world has responded by canceling or postponing numerous events in Russia, among other moves. Here are the latest developments. 

China reportedly told Russia to not invade Ukraine during Beijing Olympics

Senior Chinese officials reportedly told senior Russian officials to avoid invading Ukraine prior to the conclusion of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. According to the New York Times, the discussion took place in February; Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met ahead of the Olympics' opening ceremony on Feb. 4.  

If the information – which was reportedly collected by a Western intelligence service – is valid, it would confirm Chinese officials knew about Russia's intent to invade Ukraine prior to the attack was launched. 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine broke the Olympic truce all 193 UN member states agreed to last December. 

IPC allows athletes from Russia, Belarus to compete in 2022 Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Wednesday it will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, but they can only do so as neutrals. 

In a statement announcing the decision, IPC president Andrew Parsons said it's "deeply disappointing that such an action is required." However, he expects the neutral athletes to be treated "as they would any other athletes at these Games, no matter how difficult this may be." 

"The IPC and wider Paralympic Movement is greatly concerned by the gross violation of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarussian governments in the days prior to the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games," Parsons said. "The IPC Governing Board is united in its condemnation of these actions and was in agreement that they cannot go unnoticed or unaddressed.

"What we have decided upon is the harshest possible punishment we can hand down within our constitution and the current IPC rules. Post-Beijing 2022, we will also take measures with our 206 member organizations to determine whether any breaches of the Olympic Truce for future Paralympic Games could lead to the possible suspension or termination of an NPC."

The 2022 Paralympic Games are set to run March 4-13 in Beijing. 

EA Sports removes Russia, Belarus from NHL, FIFA video games 

EA Sports' "FIFA 22" and "NHL 22" video games will no longer feature Russian and Belarusian teams. The company announced its decision Wednesday with a pair of statements supporting Ukraine. 

"EA Sports stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and like so many voices across the world of football, calls for peace and an end to the invasion of Ukraine," EA Sports FIFA's statement read. 

"We stand with the people of Ukraine and join the voices around the world calling for peace," EA Sports NHL's statement read.

Russia and Belarus' national soccer teams along with CSKA Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and Spartak Moscow will all be eliminated from "FIFA 22" in wake of the decision. As for "NHL 22," the game will no longer feature the Russian and Belarusian national teams. 

ITF cancels all events in Russia, Belarus; suspends countries' tennis federations

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced Tuesday it will cancel all upcoming ITF events in Russia and Belarus in response to the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the ITF suspended Russia and Belarus' tennis federations and banned the countries from ITF international team competition "until further notice." 

"The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its facilitation by Belarus," the statement read. " ... The ITF remains in close contact with the Ukraine Tennis Federation and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Also Tuesday, the WTA and ATP agreed to suspend the combined event they originally scheduled for October. 

FIA allows Russian, Belarusian drivers to compete as neutrals

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced Tuesday it will allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete as neutrals. This decision comes after an "extraordinary" World Motor Sport Council meeting earlier in the day. 

"We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine," FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement. "I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup. An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval."

Last Friday, Formula 1 canceled the Russian Grand Prix that was set to take place at the Sochi Autodrom on Sept. 25. 

Water sports governing body strips Putin of award  

FINA, the international water sports governing body, withdrew the FINA Order it gave Putin in 2014 on Tuesday. The FINA Order is the governing body's most prestigious award. 

Additionally, FINA announced Russian and Belarusian individuals and teams must compete as neutrals "until further notice." That means no Russian national symbols or anthems will be allowed at upcoming international aquatic events. 

"FINA remains deeply concerned about the impact of the war on the aquatics community and the wider population of Ukraine," FINA's statement read. "FINA will continue to carefully monitor the grave situation and make further decisions as appropriate."

World Athletics bans Russian and Belarusian athletes 

The World Athletics Council banned all Russian and Belarusian athletes from upcoming World Athletics events, effective immediately, on Tuesday. The punishment extends to Russian and Belarusian athletes who planned to compete as neutrals, as they are also banned "for the foreseeable future." 

"The world is horrified by what Russia has done, aided and abetted by Belarus," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in a statement. "World leaders sought to avoid this invasion through diplomatic means but to no avail given Russia's unswerving intention to invade Ukraine.

"The unprecedented sanctions that are being imposed on Russia and Belarus by countries and industries all over the world appear to be the only peaceful way to disrupt and disable Russia's current intentions and restore peace."

The World Athletics Council is also mulling a potential suspension of the Belarus Federation. It has already banned the Russian Athletics Federation since 2015. 

FIFA, UEFA ban Russia from international soccer 

The FIFA Council announced Russia could compete under the name "Football Union of Russia" on Sunday, but the Russians won't be competing at all after Monday's news. FIFA and UEFA announced they are suspending Russia from its international competitions "until further notice" in a joint statement. 

"Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine," the statement read. "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."

The decision will have a significant impact on the UEFA World Cup qualifiers. Poland, the team Russia was originally slated to play on March 24, could get a bye to the March 29 final against the winner of Sweden vs. Czech Republic. Or, as our James Berge noted, Slovakia or a team that succeeded in the Nations League could take Russia's place. 

IIHF bans all Russian and Belarusian athletes

After an "extraordinary" meeting Monday, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced it will suspend all Russian and Belarusian athletes until further notice. The IIHF will also strip Russia of its hosting rights for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which was set to begin Dec. 26.

A new host for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship will emerge "in the coming months," the IIHF says. 

"The IIHF is not a political entity and cannot influence the decisions being taken over the war in Ukraine," IIHF president Luc Tardif said in a statement. "We nevertheless have a duty of care to all of our members and participants and must therefore do all we can to ensure that we are able to operate our events in a safe environment for all teams taking part in the IIHF World Championship program.

"We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine. I have been in close contact with members of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence."

The IIHF Council hasn't ruled out further punishment for Russia and Belarus "but hopes above all for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war." 

IOC recommends bans for all Russian, Belarusian competitors

The IOC called for international sports federations to ban all Russian and Belarusian competitors on Monday, arguing it's only fair because many Ukrainians are unable to compete amid their country's turmoil. This comes after the IOC requested the relocation or cancellation of sporting events hosted by Russia and Belarus last Friday. 

"The Olympic Movement is united in its mission to contribute to peace through sport and to unite the world in peaceful competition beyond all political disputes," the IOC's statement read. 

If a sports federation cannot remove the participating Russians or Belarusians on short notice, the IOC "strongly urges" they make the athletes and teams compete as neutrals. 

The IOC also removed the Olympic Order, the Olympic Movement's highest award, from the following Russian officials: Putin; Dmitry Chernyshenko, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation; and Dmitry Kozak, deputy chief of staff of the presidential executive office. 

Norwegian ski body bans Russian skiers amid Ukraine invasion

A day after the International Ski Federation (FIS) stripped all remaining 2021-22 World Cup events from Russia, the Norwegian Ski Federation went a step further. The Norwegian ski body banned all Russians from competing in Norway-based events for "violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people." 

In a statement announcing the ban, Norway said Russia's invasion of Ukraine deserves "international condemnation and sanctions." 

"The Norwegian Ski Federation's message to Russia and Russian athletes is crystal clear; We do not want your participation!" the statement read, per the Associated Press. " ... Sport is not detached from this and cannot remain passive to what is happening now." 

Norway is slated to host multiple World Cup races in Alpine and cross-country skiing next weekend and will co-host the junior world championships for Nordic ski disciplines.  

While the FIS pulled Russia's remaining World Cup events on Friday, it is still allowing Russians to compete outside the country. 

Russia native Alex Ovechkin wants 'no more war' after Ukraine Invasion

In his first media availability since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin – a Russia native – said he doesn't support the war. Ovechkin said it is a "hard situation" since he has friends in both countries, but he hopes the conflict ends soon to ensure "peace in the whole world."  

"Please, no more war," Ovechkin said. "It doesn't matter who is in the war -- Russia, Ukraine, different countries -- I think we live in a world, like, we have to live in peace and a great world."

Ovechkin did not criticize Putin, however. The 12-time NHL All-Star called Putin "my president" on Friday and said it is a "hard situation right now for both sides." Ovechkin has long supported Putin, even starting a social movement called PutinTeam in 2017 to help get him re-elected. 

Champions League final moved from Russia to France

After UEFA's executive committee discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine during an emergency meeting on Friday, the organization announced it will move the 2022 Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris. The game is still set for May 28, but it will now take place at Stade de France as opposed to Gazprom Arena. 

In a statement announcing the move, UEFA praised French President Emmanuel Macron's short-notice decision to host the game amid the "unparalleled crisis." UEFA also announced it would partner with France in rescuing professional soccer players stranded in Ukraine. 

"Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement," UEFA's statement read. 

Additionally, UEFA will force all Russian and Ukrainian clubs to play their home matches at neutral venues for the time being. The Europa League's Spartak Moscow, along with Russia and Ukraine's Nations League squads, will be affected by the decision. 

IOC responds to Russia and Belarus breaking Olympic truce 

Before the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, all 193 UN member states agreed to follow an Olympic truce adopted by the UN General Assembly last December. The truce required countries to "use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation" starting seven days before the Beijing Olympics and ending seven days after the Beijing Paralympics, which are scheduled for March 4-13. 

Russia broke that truce by invading Ukraine on Thursday. As a result, the IOC urged sports bodies to move or cancel all sporting events in Russia and Belarus on Friday. The IOC also requested sports bodies stop showing the countries' flags and national anthems. 

"The IOC [board] expresses its deep concerns about the safety of the members of the Olympic community in Ukraine and stands in full solidarity," the IOC's statement read.  

Formula 1 cancels Russian Grand Prix 

The Russian Grand Prix is off this year in wake of Russia invading Ukraine. Formula 1 announced the race's cancellation last Friday after discussing the situation with its teams and Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) officials the night prior. In a statement, Formula 1 expressed support for Ukraine while adding "it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances" 

"We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," F1's statement read. 

Formula 1 was originally set to host the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom on Sept. 25. The race has taken place each year since 2014, and last year's broadcast reportedly garnered the most U.S. viewers ever. 

The decision to cancel this year's Russian Grand Prix seems to be popular among F1 drivers, as former world champion Sebastian Vettel said he wouldn't race in the country while defending world champion Max Verstappen said doing so would be wrong. 

"I think when a country is at war it's not correct to race there, that's for sure," Verstappen said, per the Associated Press. 

Russia loses all remaining FIS World Cup skiing events this winter 

The FIS announced Friday it will not allow Russia to host any more of its World Cup events. The decision came hours after FIS attempted to hold ski cross races in Russia's Sunny Valley resort, but dozens of racers refused to compete. Only 13 Russians of the combined 85 racers slated to participate in the men's and women's ski cross qualification took part. 

By eliminating Russia's hosting duties, FIS must now find replacement venues for five events in the next month. Russia was originally slated to host World Cup events in freestyle aerials, women's ski jumping and cross-country races from this weekend to March 20. Despite the scheduling confusion, FIS believes the move will help ensure "the safety of all participants" and "maintain the integrity of the World Cup."

For the skiers who have yet to leave Russia, FIS said it is "working closely with the involved stakeholders to ensure their quick return back home."

German soccer club, UEFA cut ties with Russian sponsor

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German soccer club FC Schalke 04 publicly cut ties with a Russian sponsor it's worked closely with for over a decade. Schalke 04 announced Friday it will remove the logo of Gazprom – a state-owned energy corporation based in Saint Petersburg – from its shirts. 

Schalke 04's shirts will feature lettering of its club name as opposed to the Gazprom logo going forward. 

Gazprom has sponsored Schalke 04 since 2006 and began sponsoring the UEFA Champions League in 2012. The deal between Gazprom and UEFA is worth a reported $45 million per year. 

In an open letter, politicians in the European Parliament called for the end of UEFA's relationship with Gazprom. 

"We appeal to you to convene a special meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee, to terminate cooperation with Gazprom as UEFA sponsor and to consider sanctions against individual Russian officials who are complicit in the violation of international law," the letter read. 

UEFA followed the advice, ending its partnership with Gazprom "across all competitions" on Feb. 28. 

ATP postpones Moscow CH 80 tournament slated for end of February 

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine underway, the ATP Tour postponed the Moscow CH 80 event slated to begin next week. The ATP announced its decision Thursday, citing "growing uncertainty regarding travel to and from Russia and concerns surrounding the player and staff welfare, which is of paramount importance." 

While the Moscow CH 80 event is postponed indefinitely, the ATP has yet to announce the fate of another Russian-based tournament. The VTB Kremlin cup, which is slated for October in Moscow, remains on the ATP Tour's schedule as of Friday.  

Russian Andrey Rublev, the world's seventh-ranked tennis player, seemed to have addressed the Russia-Ukraine situation more openly than his sport's governing body on Friday. After advancing to the Dubai Open final, the 24-year-old wrote "no war please" on a nearby camera lens.  

International Olympic Committee calls for Russian, Belarusian athletes to be banned from international events

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is urging sports organizations around the world to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international events. They noted if they cannot be banned due to "short notice for organizational or legal reasons," the athletes should play under a neutral name. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called for sports organizations across the world to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international events on Monday. The request from the IOC was made following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC wrote in their statement, "In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organizers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions."

FIBA suspends Russian teams, officials from international basketball competitions until further notice

FIBA announced on Tuesday that Russian teams and officials are suspended from international basketball competitions until further notice, making the decision in line with the International Olympic Committee executive board. The suspension includes 3x3 games.

The FIBA released a statement, saying, "FIBA will communicate any further decisions taken by the Central Board at its meeting on March 25, as well as by FIBA's European Zone bodies in the next coming days."

The statement also condemned violence and expressed sympathy to all victims.

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, top-ranked woman at Monterrey Open, refuses to play against Russian

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina announced she would rather withdraw from the Monterrey Open than face an opponent from Russia or Belarus. She is asking that the players participate under a neutral name, with no symbols, colors, flags or anthems of the two countries included.

She tweeted, "I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the inaction of our motherland. Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential."

Svitolina did face Anastasia Potapova on Tuesday in Mexico, winning in straight sets while pledging her winnings toward the Ukrainian army.

NHL suspends relationships with Russian business partners

On Monday, the NHL announced that effective immediately, the league will be suspending relationships with its business partners in Russia. They also announced they are "discontinuing any consideration" of holding events in Russia in the future. 

The NHL's statement said, "The National Hockey League condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and urges a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible ... and we are pausing our Russian language social and digital media sites."

The league also noted their concern with their Russian players "who play in the NHL on behalf of their NHL clubs, and not on behalf of Russia."

FIFA says Russia must play as 'Football Union of Russia' in neutral site; all-out ban could reportedly be next

FIFA announced that the Russian national team cannot play under "Russia" and must play under "Football Union of Russia" or "RFU." The flag and anthem cannot be used in any matches that the Football Union of Russia complete in.

They also announced that no international competition will be played in Russian territory. Instead, home games will be in a neutral site with no fans present.

A ban of Russian teams reportedly could be next. 

Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic refuse to play Russia in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic announced they will not play Russia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, saying they refuse to travel to Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

"In light of the escalation of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a match against the Russian Republic," federation president Cezary Kulesza wrote on Twitter.

FIFA, UEFA suspend Russian teams from international soccer competitions, including World Cup

FIFA and UEFA made a joint announcement Monday that Russia is suspended from international football until further notice. They announced national representative teams and club teams would be suspended from play, which includes the World Cup.

The statement said: "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."

Ukrainian former world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko returns home to join defense battalion against Russia

Ukrainian boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko is returning to his home country to join a territorial defense battalion following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The former world champion left Greece, where he was seeking refuge, to join the battalion.

Former heavyweight world champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko enlisted have also enlisted in the in the Ukraine army within the last week. 

Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich hands direct control of club to trustees

Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, a 55-year-old billionaire from Russia, announced he is giving control of the club to trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation. He says he is in the center of discussion over the country's influence in London.

The trustees are American Bruce Buck, the club chairman, John Devine, Chelsea women's manager Emma Hayes, Piara Powar, Paul Ramos and Sir Hughe Robinson.

Roman Abramovich set to receive bids for Chelsea as possible sanctions for Russian owner loom, per report

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich is set to receive bids for the club and the potential buyers believe he will be open to selling. 

Abramovich, who is from Russia, gave direct control of the reigning Champions League winners to the trustees following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

How the world of soccer is standing in solidarity with Ukraine

Soccer players are making statements against the Russian invasion and in solidarity with Ukraine both on and off the field.

Russia and Dynamo Moscow striker Fedor Smolov posted on Instagram saying "no to war."

Manchester United also took a stand, terminating their sponsorship with Russia's national airline Aeroflot.

Napoli and Barcelona got together ahead of their game to pose in front of a "Stop War" banner.

Others have written messages on social media, on their shirts, stood with Ukrainian teammates and expressed their thoughts condemning the war. 

Ukrainian college basketball players share their shock, pride and fears

There are seven Ukrainian Division I men's basketball players and amidst the invasion have spoken about the pride and concern they have for their country.

Many spoke to CBS Sports to share their thoughts during Russia's invasion of their home country.

"It's Ukrainian nature to fight for freedom because we fight from our home. Everything we do, we just protect our house. We don't attack," San Francisco's Volodymyr Markovetskyy said. "For me, everybody in Ukraine is a hero. The way they protect our house is incredible. They're all heroes."

Players talked about frequently calling family that remains in Ukraine, hearing bombs on the phone and being afraid for the people in their country.