ISU does not consider the exclusion of Russians from competitions as sanctions

The International Skating Union (ISU) urged that the removal of Russian athletes from competitions not be considered sanctions or disqualification and said that this decision is aimed at maintaining the safety and integrity of the tournaments. This was reported to TASS at the ISU.

“The decisions made are neither a sanction or other disciplinary measure, nor a disqualification decision, they were made solely in the interest of protecting the safety of the participants and the integrity of the competition,” the union said.

Due to the start of a military special operation in Ukraine by the ISU since the beginning of March stopped to allow Russian and Belarusian speed skaters, short track skaters and figure skaters before their competitions. In June, a congress of the union was held, at which it was decided to extend the suspension.

The ISU decision, according to representatives of the organization, will not be reviewed in the near future, as it “remains relevant.”

Most international sports committees banned Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions because of a military special operation in Ukraine. Only the international cycling, judo and tennis federations allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to continue competing at international competitions.

Read more about the situation in Russian sports in the material “Kommersant” “Sport substitution schedule”.

Julia Abugalieva