US call to exclude Russia from world sport is 'politically driven', says Russian Embassy

Amid ongoing Moscow-Kyiv war in Eastern Europe, Russian Embassy in United States issued a statement claiming that United States' demand to exclude Russia from all sporting events worldwide is "politically driven and an instance of unfair competition". US Department of State released a statement on Tuesday, saying that Washington and its allies have urged to suspend participation of national sports federations of Russia and Belarus in all global federations. US government furr claimed that se announcements were in context of Russia's special military campaign in Ukraine. 

"We have noted yet anor Russophobic attack from United States and its satellites, which do not leave attempts to limit Russian participation in sporting events," citing Russian Embassy's statement posted on its Facebook account, TASS reported. statement furr ded that se comments of US have been done on flimsy pretext of Russia purportedly breaking international law and abusing human rights in wake of "special military operation in Ukraine." 

' persecution of Russian athletes began long before current events'

According to Russian embassy in US, "We consider this step as politicised and aimed, as y say here, at ‘containing’ our country. At same time, it is obvious that Ukraine is just an excuse. persecution of Russian athletes began long before current events. This is part of a ridiculous campaign to ‘cancel’ Russia." 

Furrmore, statement asserted that 'collective' West's actions are just anor instance of 'unfair competition' designed to restrict Russian athletes chance to compete on an even playing field with competitors from or nations. 

Russian Embassy furr emphasised that "sport should remain out of politics" as "using it as an instrument to exert pressure and settle scores directly violates basic principles of Olympic movement and is contrary to spirit of competitiveness as well as healthy competition," Tass reported.

IOC recommended to exclude Russia from all sports

On Tuesday, US Department of State said in a statement, “Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, facilitated by Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations.” It ded that international sport is built on ideals of respect for human rights and amicable international interactions. 

US government furr noted that government officials and those with close ties to Russian and Belarusian ministrations should be withdrawn from positions of authority within international sports federations, such as those on boards and organising committees.  

Meanwhile, regarding Russian invasion, on February 28, International Olympic Committee (IOC) suggested international sports federations exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in international competitions. According to a Tass report, most international sports federations me decision to exclude Russian and Belarussian competitors from all tournaments in late February, in accordance with IOC's guidelines. 

(Image: AP)