The statement emphasizes that Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, which is enabled by the Belarussian government, is unacceptable and constitutes a serious violation of Russia's international obligations.
The signatories support the view of international sports organisations that Russia and Belarus should not be permitted to host, bid for or be awarded any international sporting events. The statement also emphasized that Russian or Belarusian athletes, sports officials and teams should be banned from competing in other countries. At the same time, brands, city teams or legal entities that essentially represent Russia or Belarus, such as large football clubs, should also be banned. It is considered that, where possible, measures should be taken to limit sponsorship and other financial support from institutions affiliated with Russia or Belarus.
"We call on all international sports federations to support these principles and recognise those who have already done so. We also welcome the decision of the International Paralympic Committee not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in this year's Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing," the signatories note. "These restrictions should remain in place until co-operation with the basic principles of international law is possible again," they add.
The statement encourages all international sports organisations and legal entities concerned not to sanction athletes, coaches or officials who decide unilaterally to terminate contracts with clubs in Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. Sports organisers who decide to ban Russian or Belarusian athletes or teams are also encouraged not to be sanctioned.
The signatories continue to call on the international sports community to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people by supporting, where possible, the continuation of Ukrainian sport.
Twenty-six countries belonging to the European Union, as well as Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, have joined the application.
On March 3rd, Tiit Terik met with the United Kingdom’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary of State Nadine Dorries to discuss events in the field of sport and Ukraine. At the meeting, the activities and positions of the countries regarding the participation of Russia and Belarus in international sport were discussed. It was then decided that a joint statement on the same topic be prepared.
The full statement can be found here.