MOSCOW, Sep 13 Ukrainian Sambo Federation refused to participate in the upcoming European Championship due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the tournament, according to the website of the Sambo Federation of Ukraine. In March, the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in international competitions in a neutral status, despite the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) non-admission of athletes from these countries. «We, the athletes, coaches and specialists of the SAMBO Federation of Ukraine, declare our refusal to participate in the European Championships due to the decision of the International SAMBO Federation and the European SAMBO Federation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in these competitions,» — The federation said in a letter. The European Championship will be held September 14-19 in the Serbian city of Novi Sad.
