ROC, paper, scissors: Why not all sporting sanctions on Russia are the same

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has prompted outrage from the international community.

From expressions of concern, to economic sanctions and more recently supplies of weapons, the steps taken against Russia have been escalating.

Russian athletes have also been drawn into sanctions, and many will have opportunities stripped from them as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.

But as sporting entities consider what steps can be taken to turn around the Russian tanks and end the shelling, it's clear not all sporting sanctions are the same.

The most prominent sporting sanction announced so far has been FIFA's decision to expel the Russian men's football team from qualifying for this year's World Cup in Qatar.

The side had been due to play Poland later this month, but that team opposed the fixture and FIFA — despite initially appearing reluctant to expel the Russians — acted.

Separately, UEFA has barred the Russian women's team from this year's European Championships and has moved the Champions League Final from St Petersburg. Spartak Moscow has been expelled from the Europa League, and a sponsorship arrangement with energy giant Gazprom has been annulled.

Swimming body FINA has cancelled the World Junior Championships which were scheduled for Kazan in August. Formula 1 has dropped the Russian Grand Prix from its calendar. FIDE has barred events in chess — a sport dominated by those living east of Ukraine — in Russia, and has cancelled sponsorship deals with Russian entities. And similar action has been taken in ice hockey, judo and skiing.

Ahead of the Winter Paralympics starting on Friday, the International Paralympic Committee is expected to make an announcement clarifying whether Russian athletes can compete and, if so, under