While Russian armed forces close in on Kyiv and other strategic targets, a week into their invasion of Ukraine, sports bodies are freezing out Russia.
Few countries in the world place as much emphasis and prestige on sports achievements as Russia. Much of its national identity is linked to success in the sporting arenas of the world, or in the staging of major global sports events.
It was a bizarre penalty considering the ban was applied because of a systematic Russian doping programme that was designed to beat the IOC and World Anti-Doping Agency’s tests. It tainted every Russian athlete, whether they were clean or not. Yet, there they were, on the starting line. Tough economic sanctions have been swiftly applied by the European Union and the US, and the Russian economy is already teetering. Where this all leads will only become clear in the coming days, weeks and months.
There are only so many lies people will stomach before the truth surfaces. And the reality, in a sporting sense, is that Russia is now as toxic as a busted doper. “In the current situation, I have taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners,” Abramovich said.
But it’s a fluid situation and it could change. The chance that newly crowned Russian world No 1 Daniil Medvedev could be banned from playing remains a strong possibility. And even in the unlikely event that there is a ceasefire in Ukraine soon, the IOC has not guaranteed a sudden lifting of bans on Russia and its athletes.
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