Ukraine Calls for FIA Sanctions Against Russia's Motorsport

The Federation of Automobile and Motorcycling of Ukraine has called on Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to impose sanctions against the Russian Automobile Federation. This request follows accusations that Russia has opened offices in Ukrainian territories recognized by the United Nations as sovereign, including Crimea, Sevastopol, and parts of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

The FAU expressed outrage over the FIA's inaction after it lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian competitors in August. FAU president Oleksander Feldman warned that continued inaction could damage the FIA's credibility and described the situation as a dangerous precedent.

He urged for the suspension of Russia’s FIA membership and the reinstatement of strict restrictions on Russian athletes. Ukraine’s Minister for Youth and Sport, Matvii Bidnyi, also criticized the FIA's decision, stating that the reasons for Russia's ban from international sports remain unchanged and have worsened.