Russia will ultimately not be the host country of the 2022 Volleyball World Cup. The International Federation (FIVB) decided on Tuesday and withdrew the organization of the competition, scheduled for August and September, due to the war in Ukraine.
« Since the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the FIVB is very concerned about the worsening of the situation, and for the safety of Ukrainians. The board of directors came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to prepare and organize the world championships in Russia because of the war in Ukraine “Writes the instance in a press release.
Boycott threats from France and Poland
France, Olympic champion, and Poland, world champion, had announced last weekend their intention to boycott this event whether he should be kept in Russia. The new host country is to be announced later, says the FIVB.
This decision is a new blow for Russian sport – the Russians won the Olympic silver medal in Tokyo – and comes in particular after the exclusion of the country from the play-offs for the next Football World Cup, at the end of the year in Qatar. .
The penalties are increasing
Usually rather inclined to stay away from politics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended Monday to ban Russians and Belarusians from sports competitions.
In skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, Formula 1, but also rugby, boxing, swimming or badminton, measures banishing Russian and Belarusian athletes, but also canceling competitions or breaks sponsorship deals have multiplied since Russia invaded Ukraine last Thursday.
