Ukrainian Minister Criticizes FIA for Lifting Ban on Russian Athletes

Ukrainian Minister for Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, has spoken out against the decision by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

The ban started in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. On August 3, the FIA World Motor Sport Council voted to lift these restrictions, following a similar choice by the International Olympic Committee.

Bidnyi argued that the reasons for the original ban are still valid. He believes that Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine makes it wrong to ease these restrictions.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Bidnyi said, “The reasons why Russia was banned from international sports competition have not disappeared. Nothing changes and it became even worse.”

He pointed out that Russian attacks on Ukraine are still happening. He questioned why international sports organizations are now trying to relax their policies toward Russia.

“Russia continues full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Belarus can continue to provide military support to Russia. Ukrainian people are still being killed every day. And Russian attacks become more and more brutal,” he said.

Bidnyi also criticized the FIA’s decision, saying it weakens the international pressure on Russia.

“When any federation lifts the ban and makes steps towards the aggressor, the terrorist state, it’s always really, really sad,” he said.

“It’s a massive disappointment for everyone in Ukraine. And we think it undermines the collective pressure that the international community has been building against the aggressor.”

He highlighted that organizations like World Athletics and biathlon have kept stricter rules on Russian athletes.

He accused Russia of using sports as a way to promote its state propaganda.

“In Russia, elite sport is deeply connected with the military and state propaganda system. It’s one of the biggest whitewashing mechanisms. This is why we call it sportswashing,” Bidnyi said.

The Ukrainian government claims that Russia’s invasion has greatly harmed the country’s sports community. They say hundreds of athletes and coaches have died, and many sports facilities have been destroyed.

The FIA has stated it still bans organizing events in Russia and Belarus while keeping an eye on the situation in Ukraine.

The governing body said the new rules for Russian and Belarusian drivers, national teams, competitors, and officials follow the IOC’s decision and similar changes by other international sports federations.

But Bidnyi believes lifting the restrictions is too early while the war is ongoing. He argues that international sports should keep pushing pressure on Russia until the situation changes.