International Automobile Federation: 'No races will be held in Russia, Belarus'

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said Tuesday that “no races will be held in Russia, Belarus” and their national teams will be unable to participate in international or zone competitions until further notice.

Flags, symbols or anthems of Russia and Belarus are also banned in competitions.

Representatives from Russian and Belarusian FIA members will also step aside from their roles and responsibilities, according to the statement.

But Russian and Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials will be able to participate in international and zone competitions only in a neutral capacity and under the “FIA flag.”

These individuals may compete subject to a specific commitment and adherence to the FIA's principles of peace and political neutrality, the federation noted.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community with the EU, UK and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

At least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.

Nearly 680,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said Tuesday.