In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, AIDA International and the World Underwater Federation (CMAS) are both looking into banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in freediving competitions.
According to a post on the AIDA International website:
“AIDA joins the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in condemning the actions taken by the governments in Russia and Belarus against Ukraine. We do not want to dismiss athletes for the decisions of their respective governments, however, in such circumstances, we cannot do nothing.”
Consequently, AIDA International is holding a vote to decide whether to allow Russian or Belarusian athletes to compete in AIDA-sanctioned freediving competitions:
“The AIDA Assembly is holding a five-day vote starting on 2 March 2022 to determine the best response to Russian and Belarusian athlete participation.
“Individuals can send their votes to their respective AIDA National, who will then transmit the overall result of their country to AIDA at the end of the voting period.
“The official AIDA Voting Session: IOC Sanctions Against Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus can be found here: https://www.aidainternational.org/Vote/VotingSessionResults-37“
The International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board has recommended that “International Sports Federations and sports event organizers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”
CMAS said it “shares the position of the IOC in respect of the situation in Ukraine and will coordinate its action following the IOC guidance and guidelines.” Additionally:
“At the same time, CMAS ensures that it will contribute to the best of its possibilities in the efforts towards peace making and keeping, as expected by sport and sport institutions. We are all particularly close to all our athletes and national federations officials and will spare no efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the current crisis.”
