Coalition of 35 nations backs sporting sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Sports ministers of 35 European and non-European countries issued a joint demand to suspend Russia and Belarus from international sports organizations.

"We demand suspension of membership of the Russian and Belarusian sports unions in international federations, removal of representatives of these countries from the governing bodies of international federations, as well as suspension of broadcasting international sporting events in Russia," said Polish Sports Minister Kamil Bortnichuk at a briefing on July 1, "Ukrainska Pravda" reports.

It is reported that a joint declaration on further sanctions against Russia and Belarus in the field of sport was signed by 25 EU countries, as well as the UK, Liechtenstein, Iceland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Norway.

The document was not signed by Bulgaria, Hungary, and Switzerland.

The Ministry of Sport of Poland recalled this is the second common position of Ministers of Sport of Europe and other parts of the world. The first one was presented on March 8, shortly after Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

At that time, the sports ministers recommended international federations exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams from international competitions and deprive Russia and Belarus of the right to organize major international competitions.