About two weeks after the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from the World Cups, the International Biathlon Union (IBU) initiated a procedure to suspend both federations. As the world federation announced on Thursday, the decision follows the previous IBU measures, according to which athletes from the two countries are excluded from all international events “until further notice” in the course of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
IBU: Protect “Sporting Integrity of Competitions”.
The aim of the decision is “to protect the athletes and the sporting integrity of the competitions”, it said. Both associations are “Failed to fulfill their humanitarian obligations under the IBU statutes” and now have seven days to appeal.
Until the next ordinary congress in September, the suspension should be regularly reviewed depending on further developments. Russia has not been a full IBU member since 2017. No events are allowed to take place there until 2026, and representatives of the Russian federation RBU are also not allowed to hold official IBU offices.
Aid program for Ukraine
In addition, the IBU announced a support program for Ukraine to be implemented jointly with eight national federations in order to be able to organize training camps and provide biathlon equipment if necessary. In addition to Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are also participating in the project.
“These associations support the project, but we also know that the entire biathlon family is united behind it and shows solidarity with Ukraine”, said IBU President Olle Dahlin. The association itself will contribute 250,000 euros.
Source: sid