The International Skating Union extended the suspension of Russians from tournaments

The Council of the International Skating Union (ISU) has extended the ban for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions under its auspices. This was reported by the press service ISU.

“The Council will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and its impact on the activities of the ISU, as well as the decisions and their implementation within the framework of the Olympic Movement. In the meantime, the previous decision not to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus remains in force,” the statement said.

In the spring of 2022, the ISU suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. On March 28, 2023, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that sports federations allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in international tournaments who are not associated with the Russian armed forces or national security agencies and did not speak out in support of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

On the eve of the ISU informed on the negative consequences of the removal of Russian athletes from competitions. The organization estimates an expected loss of about 1 million Swiss francs ($1.11 million). The ISU also spoke about the “sporting aspect” of the sanctions due to the “lack of leading figure skaters” from Russia and Belarus.

Olesya Pavlenko