The World Masters Athletics Council has today agreed follow World Athletics in its decision to impose sanctions against the Member Federations of Russia and Belarus as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine.
This decision means that all athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia and Belarus will be excluded from all World Masters Athletics events for the foreseeable future, with immediate effect. This includes also the Regional European championships.
WMA Council fully follows the consideration of WA President Sebastian Coe when he says “Anyone who knows me will understand that imposing sanctions on athletes because of the actions of their government goes against the grain. I have railed against the practice of politicians targeting athletes and sport to make political points when other sectors continue about their business. This is different as governments, business and other international organisations have imposed sanctions and measures against Russia across all sectors. Sport has to step up and join these efforts to end this war and restore peace. We cannot and should not sit this one out.”
The decision includes World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Muscat 22, which begin on Friday in Oman (4 March) as well as Tampere World Championships in June 2022.
