The world of sport is also mobilized. The International Judo Federation announced on Sunday February 27 the “suspension” of the status of honorary president and ambassador of Vladimir Putin, in reaction to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the Federation,” wrote the Judo Federation in a statement.
An accomplished judoka, he is 8th dan, one of the highest grades in the discipline.
In addition, the Russian president willingly flaunts his sporty character and has often promoted a healthy lifestyle. His image notably contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor Boris Yeltsin, whose alcoholic escapades had toured the world in the 1990s.
Sunday, the crisis has also already had many repercussions in the world of professional sport, between displaced competitions, meetings against Russia refused by national selections, Russian athletes declared persona non grata or sponsors questioned.