Exclusion until the end of the war: The European athletics association European Athletics (EA) has reaffirmed its position in the case of Russia.
This means that athletes from Russia and Belarus will remain excluded from the association’s events and activities until the end of the war in Ukraine.
“The war is having devastating consequences for Ukraine and as a sports organization, European Athletics recognizes that this is also affecting Ukraine’s sports infrastructure and its athletes,” said EA President Dobromir Karamarinov after a council meeting on Wednesday: “We will continue to support the Ukrainian Athletics Federation support so that the athletes from this country can reach their potential despite the tragic situation in Ukraine.”
Decision on doping bans to follow
However, the world association World Athletics (WA) is decisive in the Russia question. Russia is currently doubly banned worldwide – because of the war and the doping scandal.
WA intends to decide whether the doping ban can be lifted at the next Council meeting on March 21-23. The next report by the independent Russia task force will be decisive. Only when the doping ban is lifted will WA also deal with the ban on Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.