Slaw Dog
Over the weekend, the FIM announced that effective immediately no Russian or Belarusian riders, teams and officials can take part in any FIM events and activities. The announcement is in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
There are a number of Russian riders currently competing in the FIM Motocross World Championship, including Vsevolod Brylyakov, who rides for JWR Honda Racing in MXGP. Brylyakov qualified 19th at the second round of the championship in Italy over the weekend, but did not compete in the racing on Sunday after the announcement was made.
Below is the official announcement from the FIM:
The FIM Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2022 in relation to the situation in Ukraine.
After having carefully considered the International Olympic Committee recommendations and the specificity of our sport, the Board of Directors has unanimously condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Henceforth the following provisional urgent and protective decisions have been taken which are effective immediately and stay in force until further notice:
• To suspend, for the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS), the issuance of FIM licences and the FIM licences already distributed. To suspend the functions of persons from MFR and BFMS acting as FIM Officials and as Commissions members/experts/agents of the FIM. As a result, no Russian and Belarusian riders, teams and officials can take part in any FIM Events and activities.
• To suspend the registration of and to cancel all FIM Events such as FIM International Meetings, FIM World Championships and FIM Prize Events taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and, if applicable, to relocate these FIM Events to another country.
• To interrupt any other FIM activities including but not limited to seminars, commissions meetings, training camps taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
The FIM Board of Directors unanimously recommends to all Affiliated Members and Continental Unions to apply these measures at the national and continental levels.
The FIM President, Jorge Viegas added: “We stand in sympathy and solidarity with all those suffering, as a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and remain in close contact with our affiliate member in Ukraine (FMU). I would like to thank the FIM Board of Directors members in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace. The FIM, together with its promoters and organisers, already acted on this matter and cancelled the FIM competitions scheduled in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The decisions announced today are in line with the recommendations and statements made by the International Olympic Committee, adapted to suit our sport. The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and hope for a prompt and peaceful resolution.”
Main image: JWR Honda Racing
That is not right to do the riders cant help what their government is doing if they say they support what is going on then yes ban them. If doing it because the government is stupid then the USA should not be allowed to compete in anything right now.
Comparing USA to Russia is ignorant. People like you Chad are a problem. This is not remotely a valid opinion after the destruction of life Russia has brought on Ukraine and its own people.