RUSSIA and Belarus have been expelled from all international fishing competitions in response to the invasion of Ukraine and the indiscriminate killing of civilians.
The decision was made recently by CIPS – competitive angling’s international governing body. It’s a move in common with many other sports, with FIFA and World Rugby taking an equivalent stance.
The Angling Trust wrote to officers at CIPS, setting out a clear position and requesting a ban of Russian anglers and teams from all international competitions. Its CEO, Jamie Cook, welcomes the decision.
“It’s good to see the international sporting community taking a stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the brutal bombing and shelling of innocent civilians,” he told Angling Times.
“From football to hockey, from rugby to judo, sport’s governing bodies are making it clear that any participation by Russia in international events and competitions cannot be allowed to go ahead while its troops are invading a sovereign nation and indiscriminately killing its people,” he added.
“Angling has its part to play, and we stand in solidarity with our fellow anglers in Ukraine.”