ISU banned Russian athletes from participating in competitions

MOSCOW, March 1 athletes to take part in competitions under the auspices of the organization. The Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday recommended that sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete because of the situation in Ukraine. The IOC added that athletes and teams from Russia and Belarus can only participate as neutral athletes. «Following the recommendations of the IOC, ISU prohibits Russian and Belarusian figure skaters, speed skaters and short track skaters from participating in international competitions, including world championships and other tournaments under the auspices of the organization , until further notice. The decision takes effect immediately. The same sanctions apply to functionaries from Russia and Belarus,» the statement said. The World Championships in speed skating in the classic all-around will be held in Hamar, Norway from 3 to 6 March.