Western nations want Russian officials removed from key positions in sports governing boards

With leading sports bodies already banned Russian and Belarusian athletes, Western powers have reiterated their earlier call for removing individuals aligned with Russia or Belarus from positions of influence in international sports federations.

The fresh joint statement issued by 35 nations from the West, including Japan and South Korea, also called on event organisers to consider suspending broadcasts of sporting events in Russia and Belarus.

Also read: Indian ace sprinter Dutee Chand opens up about ragging in hostel

Despite the earlier call, two Russians are still holding key positions in International Olympic Committee. One is Olympic pole vault medalist, Yelena Isinbayeva, while the other is Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpishchev.

Notably, amid Russia's war on Ukraine, FIFA and Wimbledon are among other organisations that banned Russian and Belarusian players from international competitions.