The Czech Republic punishes Russia! Bans Russian athletes from participating in local competitions
The Czech government said it has banned all athletes representing Russia from participating in local competitions because of the Russian occupation of Ukraine.
In its statement, it is stated that the Czech Government prohibits “the participation of individual athletes and sports teams representing the Russian Federation in sports competitions and games organized on Czech soil.”
Likewise, athletes and teams representing the Czech Republic should not participate in competitions held in Russia.
This decision was taken at the request of the Czech sports associations.
Previously, Czech ice hockey players competing in the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League could not play for the Czech national team.
But the current ban will apply to all sports and athletes competing under the Russian and Czech flags.
There is still no information whether this ban will also affect Belarusian athletes.
The Czech Olympic Committee stated earlier this year that it was opposed to allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics under a neutral flag.
The Czech Republic, a member state of the European Union and NATO, has provided Ukraine with significant military and humanitarian aid since Russia launched its invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.
