The Beijing Paralympics have started from Friday. Russian and Belarusian athletes have been banned from the event for attacking Ukraine. The matter has been confirmed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement: “We have always believed that mixing war with war is not the right thing to do. Yet we have to take this step. Your (Russian-Belarusian) government is having to suffer the consequences of aggression in other countries. You will not be able to participate in this event. ‘
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board has proposed banning not only the Paralympics but also the Olympics in Russia and Belarus. Amid political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian forces launched an offensive against Ukraine last Thursday (February 24th) following the announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The IOC said in a statement that its executive board had made the decision to ensure the safety of athletes worldwide. The IOC strongly urges the federations to ensure that no Russian or Belarusian athlete or sports official is allowed to participate in the name of the two countries. The IOC has also recommended not hosting any sporting events in Russia or Belarus.
Meanwhile, Russian national teams and clubs will not be able to participate in any European competition, according to UEFA and FIFA. The decision was announced in a joint statement on Monday (February 26th). The statement said the ban would continue until further notice. As a result of the ban, the Russian boys team will not be able to play in the play-offs of the World Cup qualifiers in Qatar. Their girls will not be able to play in the 2022 European Championship.
