Sports world condemns Russia after invasion of Ukraine. Here’s what’s happening
While anticipated after weeks of buildup, the world held its breath as Russian president Vladimir Putin made good on his ongoing threats to attack Ukraine after launching airstrikes and ground forces on the country on Thursday, Feb. 24.
World leaders, including President Joe Biden, condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified” attack as international backlash against Russia swiftly unfolded, including rounds of sanctions by the U.S. and other allies.
The sports world has taken a stand as the Russian invasion sent shock waves around the world.
And not for the first time.
During the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Russia invaded Georgia in a conflict that became Europe’s first war in this century. In 2014, Russia attacked Crimea a few days after the Sochi Games ended.
Formula One canceling Russian Grand Prix
According to ESPN, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali — along with the heads of 10 teams — confirmed that the Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sept. 25, will be canceled.
“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” a statement said, according to ESPN. “On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”
UEFA relocates Champions League Final from Russia
On Feb. 25, UEFA announced that the May 28 Champions League final has been moved from Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg to the Stade de France near Paris.
“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” a statement from UEFA said, according to CNN.
“Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.”
Manchester United drops Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, as sponsor
In a major move to condemn Russia’s actions, English Premier League soccer team Manchester United dropped the sponsorship of Russia’s national airline Aeroflot, canceling a deal worth millions.
“In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights,” the club said in a statement, The Athletic reported. “We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”
Manchester United and Aeroflot have been partners since 2013 and renewed their deal in 2017, the Daily Mail reported.
German soccer team strikes Russian logo from jersey
FC Schalke 04, a German soccer team, announced it was immediately parting ways with Russian sponsor Gazprom.
“Following recent developments, FC Schalke 04 have decided to remove the logo of main sponsor GAZPROM from the club’s shirts,” the club said in a statement, NPR reported.
The Russian energy company had been a club sponsor since 2007.
Countries announce refusal to play World Cup qualifying matches in Russia
The soccer federations of Poland, Czech Republic and Sweden released a joint statement, announcing that they will not travel to Russia for matches scheduled in March.
“Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic express their firm position that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for 24 and 29 March 2022, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation,” the statement, translated by Sports Illustrated, read.
“The signatories to this appeal do not consider traveling to Russia and playing football matches there. The military escalation that we are observing entails serious consequences and considerably lower safety for our national football teams and official delegations.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Sports world condemns Russia after invasion of Ukraine. Here’s what’s happening."