In light of the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which is accompanied by massive violations of international law, the deaths of civilians, including athletes, coaches, and children, as well as large-scale destruction of civilian and sports infrastructure, we consider it unacceptable to reinstate or allow organizations representing the aggressor state to participate in international sporting competitions.
According to official data from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, as of today:
- more than 500 sports infrastructure facilities have been destroyed or damaged as a result of hostilities;
- more than 400 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have lost their lives due to the war.
Of particular concern is the fact that the activities of the Russian MMA Union are accompanied by support for state policy and military actions. Furthermore, there have been recorded cases of sporting events organized by them in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine at the early stages of occupation, which constitutes a gross violation of international law and the principles of sporting ethics.
We also draw attention to the fact that this organization, from the early stages of its activity, initiated the process of integrating and recognizing entities within its structure in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This represents a direct violation of international law and the principles of territorial integrity of states.
We firmly believe that sport cannot exist outside moral values and responsibility to the global community. Allowing representatives of the aggressor state to participate in international competitions creates a risk of legitimizing aggression and undermines trust in international sports institutions.
The National Federation of MMA of Ukraine calls upon IMMAF to:
- maintain the current restrictions on the participation of the Russian MMA Union in international competitions;
- not allow athletes and officials representing the Russian Federation or affiliated with its state structures;
- adhere to the principles of fairness, peace, and international law.
We highly appreciate IMMAF’s commitment to fair sport and hope for a continued principled position on this matter.
