Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF) following the invasion launched against Ukraine, the sports body announced on Sunday.
“Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announced the suspension of Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and international ambassador of the Judo Federation”, indicated the entity through a statement published on its official social media channels.
An accomplished judoka – he is eighth dan, one of the highest ranks in the discipline – the Russian president displays his sporting character and has often promoted a healthy lifestyle.
His image contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor Boris Yeltsin, who was known for his drinking.
On Sunday, February 27, on the fourth day of the offensive in Ukraine launched by Putin, the battle for control of Kiev, the capital, continued.
On Saturday, February 26, Western powers announced new sanctions to isolate Russia from world markets, including excluding Russian banks from the Swift interbank connection system.
In addition, some of them announced the delivery of additional weapons to Ukraine.
In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation.https://t.co/QQDZbF6rfd
— Judo (@Judo) February 27, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to have significant consequences in professional sports, with competitions cancelled, refusals to face Russia, athletes declared persona non grata and sponsorships up in the air.
