Nations unite and seek further sporting sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Ministers from 37 nations have joined together to call for further international sporting sanctions on Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine.

Brokered by the UK, the strongly-worded statement follows a virtual summit convened by the Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston on March 3.

Among the signatories are France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada and the United States.

“Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations,” the statement read.

“Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.”

The nations called for Russia and Belarus not to be permitted to “host, bid for or be awarded any international sporting events.”

The joint statement continued: “Individual athletes selected by Russia and Belarus, administrators and teams representing the Russian or Belarusian state should be banned from competing in other countries, including those representing bodies, cities or brands that are effectively representing Russia or Belarus, such as major football clubs.

“Wherever possible, appropriate actions should be taken to limit sponsorship and other financial support from entities with links to the Russian or Belarusian states.

“We call on all international sport federations to endorse these principles, and applaud all those that have done so already.”

The decision by the International Paralympic Committee to ban both Russia and Belarus athletes from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing were also welcomed.

“These restrictions should be in place until cooperation under the fundamental principles of