Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a huge political controversy and debate. In order to take a stand against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sports organizations have been suspending Russia’s athletes from competing in professional sports games.

The suspensions began with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On Feb. 28, the IOC discussed the Russian government’s breach of the Olympic Truce. In an article, the IOC explained its mission to contribute to peace through sport and unite athletes of all countries. Though they decided to not punish athletes for the decisions of their government, the IOC explained their reasons for moving forward with the suspensions on Russia.

“While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be able to continue to participate in sports events, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from doing so because of the attack on their country,” They explained.

After much consideration of the situation, the IOC Executive Board (EB) issued a resolution. First, they recommended that International Sports Federations and sports event organizers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions. In their article, they strongly urged International Sports Federations to do everything they can in order to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus is allowed to participate under the name of Russia or Belarus.

The IOC EB said that individuals “should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colors, flags, or anthems should be displayed.”

Including those guidelines, they also said not to organize any sports event in Russia or Belarus.

They have withdrawn the Olympic Order “from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation or other government-related high-ranking position.” Their list of those withdrawn includes Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Chernyshenko, and Dmitry Kozak.

Following these guidelines and strong recommendations, the nation was barred from competing in international ice skating, skiing, basketball, track, and some tennis events. They were also removed from soccer competitions and hockey. The list also includes archery, badminton, baseball, canoeing, sport climbing, curling, cycling, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, judo, karate, modern pentathlon, rowing, sailing, shooting, skating, squash, auto racing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, gymnastics, and wrestling.

Not only has the IOC EB shown their support for Ukrainians, but so have athletes, by wearing Ukraine colors.

There is no specific end date for the suspension, but as it goes on, more and more organizations are banning Russia from their sport.

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