International Sports Reacting Swiftly, AngriIy Against Russian Athletics

Multiple sports organisations around the globe are banning Russian athletes and teams from future events. These include the International Olympic Committee, professional hockey, ski, and soccer. On the international sporting scene, war-mongering Russians have become a laughingstock.  

Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Norway are all condemning Russia over its attack on a neighboring nation. Another NHL Hall of Famer demanded the league suspend all Russian players’ contracts. 

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!? You are not only an alibist and a chicken s —,, but you’re also a lie! All European adults know that Putin, a murderer and a liar is at the heart of Russia’s offensive war on freedom and its people. All Russian players should be expelled from the NHL immediately! 

“Every athlete represents himself, his team and country. It is a known fact. The NHL is not responsible for Ukraine’s dead if it does not. 

A native of Moscow and supporter of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Ovechkin said Friday, “It’s a hard situation. There are scary times, but I know my Russian family. But we can’t do anything. We just hope it going to be end soon and everything is going to be all right.”  

Some harsh words were also directed at other Russian athletes. 

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.  

Cezary Kulesza (Polish soccer federation president) tweeted that Russia would not face Poland in the present circumstances. “Time to act, no more words!” Kulesza tweeted. Kulesza tweeted: “Due the Russian Federation’s aggression towards Ukraine, the Polish national soccer team will not be playing the playoff match against Russia. Talks are ongoing with the Swedish and Czech Federations to prepare a joint statement for 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 wish the war to be over as soon as we can.” 

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. Indefinitely, the International Tennis Federation cancelled all Russian events. 

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.