World Athletics bans Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials as the sporting world responds to IOC recommendations

World Athletics has banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from all events for the foreseeable future, joining the list of sporting bodies sanctioning athletes from the two countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The move came after the International Olympic Committee recommended all sports ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing.

«Anyone who knows me will understand that imposing sanctions on athletes because of the actions of their government goes against the grain,» said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.

«I have railed against the practice of politicians targeting athletes and sport to make political points when other sectors continue about their business.

»This is different, as governments, business and other international organisations have imposed sanctions and measures against Russia across all sectors.

«Sport has to step up and join these efforts to end this war and restore peace. We cannot and should not sit this one out.»

Belarus is included in the sanctions because it has been a key staging area for Russian troops.

This is how other sports have responded:

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has banned all athletes and officials representing Russia and Belarus.

The decision follows the cancellation of all BWF events which should have taken place in the two countries and represents a step up from its previous ban on Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) said it would ban Russian athletes and officials from its competitions until further notice.

FIBA's top board will meet on March 25 to discuss whether to take further measures.

Euroleague Basketball suspended Russian teams CSKA Moscow, UNICS Kazan, Zenit St