No Russian Flags Or Anthems: European Commission Reminds That Aggressor State’s Participation In Sports Competitions Is Unacceptable
As long as Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, sport must not serve as a tool for propaganda and the normalization of Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation in international competitions. European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrnčírová stated this today, November 3, at a briefing in Brussels, commenting on the decision to admit the Russian hockey team to the world championship in…
The European Commission has reiterated that Russia's involvement in sports competitions is unacceptable while the conflict in Ukraine persists. Spokesperson Eva Hrnčírová emphasized this stance on November 3 during a briefing in Brussels. Hrnčírová referred to the decision to permit the Russian hockey team to compete in the world championship held in Germany.
She noted that the International Ice Hockey Federation's court decision on the matter grants the federation the autonomy to make its own choices regarding events, participants, and organization. However, both the federations and member states are required to adhere to EU sanctions and restrictive measures.
Hrnčírová stressed that sport should not be utilized as a means for propaganda or to legitimize the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions during the ongoing war. She also mentioned a European Council decision from the middle of October, which expressed the view that, as long as there is no just and enduring peace in Ukraine, there should be no normalization of Russia and Belarus' participation in international sporting and cultural events.
Consequently, the Commission does not support the display of Russian anthems, symbols, or flags at sporting events in Europe.
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