Ukraine Minister Slams FIA for Lifting Russian Ban

Matvii Bidnyi, the Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine, condemned the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile's (FIA) decision to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors, which was initially imposed in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The FIA World Motor Sport Council voted to lift the restrictions on August 3, 2023, aligning with a similar decision by the International Olympic Committee.

Bidnyi stated that the reasons for the ban have not changed, emphasizing that Russia's war against Ukraine continues and questioning the motives of international sports organizations in easing restrictions. He criticized the FIA for undermining collective international pressure on Russia, stating that the ongoing aggression and military support from Belarus to Russia should warrant continued sanctions.

Bidnyi pointed out that elite sports in Russia are intertwined with state propaganda, labeling it as "sportswashing." He noted the devastating impact of the invasion on Ukraine's sports community, including the deaths of athletes and the destruction of sports facilities.