Poland wants Russia and Belarus athletes to sign the statement criticizing the war in Ukraine

Sports Minister Kamil Bortnichuk of Poland has declared that any Russian or Belarussian sportsmen competing in sports contests in Poland must sign a statement criticizing the war in Ukraine. According to the Polish Fencing Association (PZS), who agreed with the Sports Minister, the decision applies to everyone taking part in the Women’s Foil World Cup in Pozna from April 21 to April 23. These declarations follow the International Fencing Federation’s (FIE) decision to grant neutral status to Russian and Belarusian athletes beginning in the second half of April. Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board suggested that only individual Russian and Belarusian athletes who are not connected to the armed forces or national security organizations and who have not openly backed the conflict in Ukraine be allowed to compete in international events.

What did the Polish Fencing Association (PSZ) statement read?

The Polish Fencing Association (PSZ) statement read, “The Polish Fencing Association and the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań reserves the right to strictly control the fulfilment by competitors of both countries of all criteria listed there. In order to carry out such control, players and support staff holding a Russian or Belarusian passport will be required to submit a written statement in which they declare that they do not support the war in Ukraine, which is a flagrant violation of international law and international treaties. They meet the conditions of neutrality, i.e. they are not associated with the regime of Vladimir Putin, against whom the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant as a person suspected of committing war crimes in Ukraine. They are not soldiers or are not employed in Russian or Belarusian military or national security bodies. Flags, anthems, national colours, or any other identifying signs of Russia and Belarus are not allowed to be displayed during the competition in Poznań, including the entire sports hall. No official representatives of the Russian state or Government will be invited or accredited to the competition in Poznań.”

The Danish Fencing Federation has also stated that it will not be holding any events shortly because Danish fencers do not want Russians and Belarusians to compete. Bortnichuk told Polish radio station RMF, “We will invite those who fulfill the condition,” referring to the signing of a statement by athletes that they do not support military action and oppose war crimes. “If a Russian athlete signs such a statement, it will be a testament to morality, and then he will be able to participate in competition,” Bortnichuk added. “We will require the signing of such a statement at all sporting events that take place in Poland.” The Danish Fencing Federation has also joined the growing list of organizations refusing to host competitions with Russian or Belarusian athletes. 

What are the guidelines stated by the IOC for the participation of Russian and Belarus athletes?

The situation with Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international tournaments is still complicated and very controversial. Mixed feelings have been expressed on the IOC’s decision to only permit individual Russia and Belarus athletes to compete in international tournaments as neutral athletes. Only individuals who have not publicly endorsed the war in Ukraine and who are not connected to the armed forces or national security agencies should be taken into account, according to the guidelines. However, it is unclear how these proposals will be put into action because certain nations and organizations refuse to hold events including Russian or Belarusian athletes.

The Fencing Federation of Ukraine’s Presidium has resolved to abstain from competing at international tournaments where competitors from Belarus and Russia will also be competing. Due to the participation of Russians in the event, which served as a qualifying round for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the German Fencing Federation declined to organize a World Cup stage on March 16. On March 20, the Finnish Fencing and Pentathlon Federation rejected the FIE’s request to host a competition in Turku.

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