(Reuters) – World Athletics joined a growing number of sporting bodies that have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes on Tuesday, while the governing bodies of tennis barred players competing in either sport under the flag or name of any country after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams have been excluded from all international sports competitions since the beginning of “a special military operations” by Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President.

Belarus was a crucial staging ground for Russia’s invasion in Ukraine.

Monday’s executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recommended that sport federations stop Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials, and competitors.

World Athletics replied by banning both countries’ officials, support staff, and athletes from any future events.

Additionally, the council decided to discuss further actions, such as the suspension of Belarus Federation, during its next scheduled council meeting.

Due to doping violations in 2015, the Russian Athletics Federation was removed from World Athletics. Its competitors were not allowed to participate at international events under its flag.

World Athletics stated that this new sanction would also include Russian athletes who were granted the Authorised Neutral Asthlete status (ANA) in 2022.

Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics said that anyone who has known Sebastian Coe will know that imposition of sanctions against athletes due to the actions of their governments is against the grain.

I have protested against politicians using athletes and sports to gain political points while other industries go about their businesses.

It is not the same as before, when governments, businesses and international organizations imposed sanctions against Russia in all areas. It is time for sport to join the efforts to stop this conflict and bring about peace. This one cannot be ignored.

TENNIS BODY MINDS ACT

This decision by the International Tennis Governing Body will enable Daniil, the Russian men’s tennis world number 1, and Aryna Sabalalenka, the Belarusian women’s number 3, to continue competing on tour.

WTA and ATP also announced that they would suspend their combined WTA/ATP event which was due to take place in Moscow, October.

ITF suspended Belarus Tennis Federation’s membership, withdrew all their entries from ITF international team competitions and until further notice.

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, who had previously refused to face Anastasia Potapova from Russia at Monterrey Open in March, stated that she will likely continue Tuesday’s match.

Svitolina said, “I will wear Ukrainian colours. This means a lot for me and that’s going be a special evening for me.” ITV (LON:) News.

MORE SPORTING SANCTIONS

After convening an extraordinarily successful meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (FIA), Formula One’s governing body, said that it will allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to race under a neutral “FIA Flag”. It also stated that cars would not be allowed to display any Russian or Belarusian symbols or colours.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem President of FIA stated that the FIA was watching developments in Ukraine “with sadness and shock.” “We condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine.”

From next Tuesday, the badminton Federation (BWF), banned Russian and Belarusian officials and athletes from any international competition.

But, BWF confirmed that Russian players can compete in two Para badminton tournaments this week because they are already there.

According to the BWF, “these players will however compete as neutral athletes with no national flags and anthems.”

International governing bodies of rowing (FIS), skiing (FIVB), canoe, shooting (ISSF), and volleyball (FIVB) have banned Russian and Belarusian competitors from competing in international events until further notice.

FIS released a statement saying that no Russian and Belarusian athlete will participate in FIS competitions at any level until the end 2021-2022 seasons.

The announcement came after FIVB had deposed Russia from its men’s world title.

The UCI, the cycling governing body for cyclists banned Russian and Belarusian teams and retracted all Russian events from the international 2022 calendar.

UCI however stated that Russian or Belarusian riders could continue to compete in neutral for other teams.

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation suspended the membership of the Russian MMA Union and the Federation of Hand-to-Hand Fighting & MMA of Belarus.

German sportswear manufacturer Adidas (OTC) ended its relationship with Russian Football Union (RFS), effective immediately on Tuesday.

FINA (the world swimming governing body) stated that Russian and Belarusian competitors could only participate as neutral swimmers or teams.

The FINA Order, which was awarded to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014.

Paralympic Committees of Canada and the United States (CPC), ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes shouldn’t be permitted to participate in international sporting events. This includes the Beijing Paralympics, which starts on Friday.

CPC further urged International Paralympic Committee to consider revoking Russia’s and Belarus’ memberships from IPC.

On Wednesday, the IPC will be meeting to discuss Russia in advance of the Beijing Games.

RUSSIAN OLLYMPIC COMMITTEE IOC CRITEICISES

Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), stated that it did not consider the IOC’s suggestions to be ethnic discrimination.

In a Tuesday statement, the Olympic Movement ROC stated that it was obvious that decisions were taken under pressure from the outside.

Now, consultations can be scheduled but they are only available after decisions have been made, and execution of those decisions has taken place. The opinion of athletes is not important anymore.

The FIFA and UEFA soccer governing bodies suspended Russia’s national clubs and teams on Monday. This means that Russia will likely be exempted from the men’s World Cup as well as the women’s Euro 2022 tournaments.

Tuesday saw the allocation of 1,000,000 euros (or $11.11 million) by UEFA to charities that help children from Ukraine and those affected by Russia’s invasion.

($1 = 0.8987 euros)