MADRID, 25 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) expressed this Friday its “extreme concern” about the escalation of the war in Ukraine, although it left its opinion that the sport should be “politically neutral”, while announcing the cancellation of competitions in Russia for the next few weeks.
“While continuing to hold the view that sport should remain politically neutral, FINA condemns all acts of aggression and is extremely concerned about the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine,” it said in a statement a day and a half after the military invasion. Russian already stalking the capital Kiev.
FINA notes that, after listening to the athletes and the National Federations, it has decided to postpone the March 8 match in Saint Petersburg, between Russia and Greece, of the Water Polo Super League. “All athletes must feel safe in their place of training and competition, and they deserve to be heard,” adds FINA, which leaves the option of more cancellations open.
At the moment, the Federation pointed out that the appointment scheduled for Kazan from April 8 to 10, in the World Series of artistic swimming and diving, will not be held. “Other FINA tournaments scheduled to take place in Russia this year are under review, with the Federation carefully monitoring events in Ukraine,” he adds.