Sport turns against Russia
World Judo Federation suspends Vladimir Putin
02/27/2022, 3:38 p.m
In sport, too, the consequences of the Russian attack on Ukraine are now reaching the aggressor Vladimir Putin himself: the world judo federation is symbolically deposing Putin as honorary president for the time being. However, the IOC and FIFA are hesitant to take clear measures.
World sport is turning against Russia and now even against Vladimir Putin personally: While the first athletes of his vast empire were excluded from competitions, anthems and flags were banned at award ceremonies, judo sport turned away from its probably most prominent protagonist on Sunday, attracting the public.
As a reaction to the invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin chief, after all a long-time active fighter and holder of the black belt, was suspended as honorary president of the world judo association IJF and as the official ambassador of the sport. Apparently, IJF President Marius Vizer, known as Putin’s friend, had to bow to internal pressure within the association.
Nevertheless, a more symbolic action, Putin’s athletes, on the other hand, are hit far harder by the international ban. The most far-reaching demand for the complete exclusion has only been discussed so far, but a timely implementation is in the room.
Sporting values trampled underfoot
“President Putin has broken the Olympic Truce for the third time, repeatedly trampling on the values of sport,” Athletes Germany said in a statement. At least “for the duration of the war of aggression” Russian and Belarusian athletes should be excluded from international competitions.
This happened indirectly over the weekend. The Estonian authorities announced that they would refuse entry to the Biathlon World Cup in Otepää to athletes from Russia and Belarus. Norway also made it clear that Russian winter sports enthusiasts were not welcome. Several professional associations canceled international competitions in Russia and also advocated not awarding any more events to Russia for the time being.
Solidarity with Ukrainian athletes
The world football association FIFA came under particular pressure because Poland refused to play in the World Cup play-off games against Russia. A stance shared by Sweden and the Czech Republic as possible next opponents of Russia. But as usual from FIFA, the answer from Switzerland was hesitant and waiting. They condemn “the use of force by Russia”, but want to “continue to monitor the situation” with a view to qualifying for the World Cup. Even the International Olympic Committee could only bring itself to appeal to move sporting events from Russia to other countries.
On the other hand, a decision was implemented promptly to refrain from using flags and anthems at award ceremonies for athletes from Russia and Belarus with immediate effect. The World Gymnastics Federation FIG applied the new regulation immediately. Jahor Scharamkou (Belarus), winner of the floor competition at the World Cup tournament in Cottbus, received his medal without the usual supporting program.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe also wants to become active for the Ukraine. “We have to show solidarity. We will ask our FIG Foundation to provide special help for the Ukrainian athletes affected by the war,” said the Japanese. Tennis professional Dajana Jastremska no longer needs such support. The 21-year-old left the country with her sister, but had to leave her parents in Ukraine.
