MILANO – The world of sport is increasingly distancing itself from Russia, after the dramatic military aggression that began in recent days and is still ongoing. From football, to judo, from winter sports to tennis, for days there has been a continuous taking a stand against the politics of President Vladimir Putin. The strong man of Moscow, who has always used sport as a propaganda tool, today saw himself deprived of one of the offices he was most proud of. The International Judo Federation has in fact deprived him of the honorary presidency. “In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation”, reads the note. Putin has always been a high-level practitioner of the Japanese martial art on which he has also written a book and which according to some would also inspire his political moves.
But it is above all the world of football that in these hours is proving compact against the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine. After Uefa took a stand which removed the Champions League final in St. Petersburg, Poland and Sweden arrived and announced that they do not want to play against Russia in the playoffs for the World Cup in Qatar. And this morning the Czech Republic, taking up the invitation launched yesterday by Pavel Nedved, instructed its President Fousek “to negotiate with Uefa and Fifa on the Executive Committee’s decision not to play a possible match against Russia”. France’s stance is even harder, ready to ask FIFA to exclude Russia from the World Cup. “I have not yet discussed with the other federations, but I am in favor of the exclusion of Russia from the next World Cup”, said the president of the French Football Association Noël Le Graët. Another clear message to FIFA, which so far has been limited only to a statement condemning the Russian military offensive but without taking any serious measures.
Although not yet exposed at the Federation level, in the UK the Russian issue is deeply felt with the policy that has called for action against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The Russian tycoon felt encircled and at the end yesterday evening announced his sensational decision to leave the leadership of the club. “I have always made decisions with the interest of the Club at heart. I remain faithful to these values. That is why today I am entrusting the trustees of the charitable foundation with the management and care of Chelsea, ”Abramovich said in a statement. And this morning the English club took an official position against what is happening in Ukraine. “The situation is awful and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace, ”a statement read. Then, the images of the embrace between Zinchenko and Mykolenko before the match between Manchester City and Everton went around the world.
Finally, Italian sport is also mobilizing alongside the Ukrainian people. Federnuoto president Paolo Barelli met Yaroslav Melnyk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Rome, and announced that “we are ready to host Ukrainian swimmers at the federal center in Ostia who, due to the war, are unable to continue the preparation activities in view of international commitments “. In Serie C football, Potenza, in the person of president Salvatore Caiata, has decided to donate the entire proceeds of the match against Paganese to the Ukrainian populations affected by the war. With the proceeds basic necessities will be purchased (especially food and medicines) to be delivered to the many people who are currently experiencing a dramatic situation. For his part, the mayor of Pesaro Matteo Ricci announced on social media that he will not grant the sports hall to CSKA Moscow for Euroleague matches. Finally, the images of Sofiia Yaremchuk (Army), an athlete with dual Italian and Ukrainian citizenship, who reached the finish line of the half marathon in the Campania capital with the flag of her country of origin as a sign of closeness in the hardest days of the conflict with Russia moved Naples. .
LaPresse
