Around the world, multiple sports organizations are excluding Russian teams and athletes from upcoming events. Among them are professional tennis, hockey, skiing, soccer and the International Olympic Committee. The war-mongering Russians are now a pariah on the international sports scene.
Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Norway are all condemning Russia over its attack on a neighboring nation. An NHL Hall of Famer also called for that league to suspend the contracts of all Russian players.
NHL Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek demanded the league immediately suspend the contracts of all Russian players. Also, he denounced Alex Ovechkin, a Russian who plays for Washington, Saturday for his remarks on the international crisis. Ovechkin called for an end to Russia’s attack, but Hasek said it was a weak response and came unglued over Ovechkin’s remarks.:
"What!? Not only an alibist, a chicken s---, but also a liar! Every adult in Europe knows well, that Putin is a mad killer and that Russia is waging an offensive war against the free country and its people. The NHL must immediately suspend contracts for all Russian players!
"Every athlete represents not only himself and his club, but also his country and its values and actions. That is a fact. If the NHL does not do so, it has indirect co-responsibility for the dead in Ukraine."
A native of Moscow and supporter of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Ovechkin said Friday, “It’s a hard situation. I have family back in Russia and it is scary moments. But we can’t do anything. We just hope it going to be end soon and everything is going to be all right.”
Other Russian athletes were on the receiving end of harsh words as well.
Russian skiers were told they are not welcome to compete in Norway’s Nordic and alpine ski races next weekend, as well as the junior world Nordic championships. The Norway ski federation said Saturday Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demands “international condemnation and sanctions,” and it is banning Russian skiers due to “violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people.
“The Norwegian Ski Federation’s message to Russia and Russian athletes is crystal clear; We do not want your participation!”
Elsewhere in Europe, Sweden,Poland and the Czech Republic say they will boycott future World Cup soccer qualifying matches in Russia. Sweden says the sports’ governing body, FIFA, should cancel any games involving Russia.
Polish soccer federation President Cezary Kulesza tweeted that his country will not play Russia under the current circumstances. "No more words, time to act!" Kulesza tweeted. "Due to the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine the Polish national team does not intend to play the playoff match against Russia. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech federations to bring forward a joint statement to FIFA."
Czech soccer federation director Petr Fousek said, “The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it's not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue. We all want the war to end as soon as possible."
The International Olympic Committee, which just passively allowed the “Genocide” Olympic Games to go forward in China, now says it’s urging other sports bodies to relocate or cancel their events in Russia and Belarus.
The IOC's Executive Board said in the statement that Russia and Belarus have breached the Olympic Truce, which calls for a truce from seven days before the Olympics to seven days after. Russia’s invasion Ukraine is a direct violation of that truce, and by supporting Russia, Belarus did likewise.
Additionally, Formula One said it would drop its Russian Grand Prix, which was set for September in Sochi. The International Tennis Federation has cancelled all events scheduled for Russia indefinitely.
These actions won’t stop Russian tanks or warplanes from killing Ukrainians, but at least the international sports world is standing up for justice and peace.
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