U.S. and more than 37 countries favour the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from any sports event

37 countries, joining here and the United States, through a joint statement today have agreed that Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to organise, compete or participate in an international sporting event in response to the Russian occupation of Ukraine.

Russia's unwarranted chosen fight against Ukraine, supported by the Belarusan government, is disgusting and a flagrant violation of its international obligations. Respecting human rights and peaceful relations among nations constitute the foundation of international sports, “according to the joint statement, agreed to by the sports ministers, Kosovo Presses follows.

The statement also said that the <x0 individual portfolios selected by Russia and Belarus, administrators and teams representing the Russian state or Belarus should be prevented from competing in other countries, including those representing organs, cities or brands that effectively represent Russia or Belarus, as well. The main football clubs “and” wherever possible should take action needed to limit sponsorship and other financial support from subjects related to Russian or Belarusian states”.

The nations in question urged all international sports federations to do the same.

The statement also encourages sports organisations “not to sanction athletes, trainers or officials who decide to unilaterally interrupt their contracts with Russian clubs, Belarus or Ukrainian, as well as not to attend or sanction sports organisers who decide to ban athletes or teams selected by Russia or Belarus”.