MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The sports world appears to be softening the hardline stance it took against Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian player is back compete under your own flag At the Paralympics. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the international ban on the Russian soccer team “has not produced any results.” and his counterpart at the International Olympic Committee. Kirsty Coventryargues that all athletes should be allowed to “compete freely.”
Oleksandr Usyk remains resolute as ever.
“My opinion has not changed. This should not happen,” the Ukrainian boxing world heavyweight champion told The Associated Press. “People who support the murder of others, the bombing of civilian cities, hospitals, schools, and everything else, should not have the right to participate in the Olympics.”
Usyk was a defiant symbol of his country’s strength during the conflict, establishing himself as one of the most powerful heavyweights of his time. He is widely regarded as a unified two-division champion and one of the greatest boxers of all time.
After each victory, he proudly wraps himself in his country’s flag, a sign of solidarity with his compatriots fighting on the home front.
No wonder, then, that he has strong views on Russia’s re-entry into the world of elite sport.
The Russian national anthem was sung at the Paralympic gold medal ceremony. milan cortina For the first time in over ten years.
Previously, Russian athletes were allowed to compete as follows: As a neutral individual athlete During the ban period. However, the new IOC president Coventry’s speech during the Winter Olympics last month was widely interpreted as paving the way for Russia’s participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
She said athletes should not be held back “by politics or government departments.”
Her comments seem to indicate the direction of the sports world.
In an interview with Sky News last month, Infantino said world soccer governing body FIFA should “definitely” consider lifting the ban on Russia.
Usyk, 39, says the sport should hold its ground.
“The Olympics were founded as a game of peace,” he said. “But now people who commit murder or fire missiles at other countries on the orders of others are allowed to participate in sports – it’s completely absurd.
“If someone goes and fights on orders from the commander-in-chief, they can’t go to a sporting event and represent their country. We want them to continue to be soldiers, because they kill at night and compete as athletes in the morning. It’s totally out of proportion.”
Undefeated Usyk returns to the ring on May 23 in Egypt against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Further down the line, he recently wanted a three-parter with Tyson Fury. announced a comeback Since retirement – has already defeated the British boxer twice.
“In my head, Tyson Fury, this is the last dance,” he said.
Both matches with Fury took place in Saudi Arabia, which has established itself as a venue for elite sports including Formula 1, tennis and the 2034 World Cup.
However, the Iran war caused chaos in the Middle East.
made by iran retaliatory attacks in the area And there is uncertainty as to whether soccer matches in between will be held. Argentina and Spain in Qatar As the crisis escalates, the event could be held as early as later this month.
An ATP Challenger Tour tennis event in the United Arab Emirates was canceled after players fled the court after a nearby oil terminal was reportedly attacked by a drone.
“Given the situation that’s unfolding in the world right now, my job is just to be ready for what’s coming,” Usyk said of fighting again in Saudi Arabia. “Organizers will then decide where the show can take place in a way that is safe for all participants and spectators.”
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Associated Press writer Ilya Novikov in Kyiv contributed to this report.
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/Sports
