FINA has cancelled the World Junior Swimming Championships that were due to be held in the Russian city of Kazan in August following the invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion has led to condemnation around the world and a call from the International Olympic Committee for federations to cancel or relocate sporting events that were due to be held in Russia and Belarus.
FINA was subject to some criticism on Friday after condemning “all acts of aggression” but not acting to pull the junior worlds nor the World Short-Course Championships scheduled for December, also in Kazan.
This was at odds with Formula one and European football governing body UEFA who swiftly cancelled events in Russia.
The short-course worlds – scheduled to start a day after Russia’s ban from hosting global events expires – have still not been switched.
The statement read:
“FINA remains extremely concerned with the continuing war in Ukraine and following ongoing consultation with athletes and stakeholders from the aquatics family, FINA can now confirm that the 8th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships (23 – 28 August) is cancelled and FINA will not be holding any future events in Russia if this grave crisis continues.
“FINA reiterates its pledge to provide whatever practical support it can to members of the Aquatics family who are impacted by this situation and expresses its deepest sympathies and support to the people of Ukraine.”
Surely it can be relocated.
Yes please FINA. Relocate! Perhaps Brazil, the US or Budapest???