Putin sacked by International Judo Federation

Embattled dictator and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF).

The IJF announced the suspension on Sunday, Feb. 27, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This means Putin has temporarily lost his most senior official position in world sport.

The IJF said in a statement posted online: “In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation.”

Putin’s suspension comes on the back of a range of sporting punishments for Russia.

European football’s governing body UEFA stripped Saint Petersburg of the hosting of the May 28 Champions League final – their most prestigious club competition – and Formula One cancelled the Russian Grand Prix scheduled for September 25.

Both Poland and Sweden have said they will not play Russia in the 2022 World Cup play-offs with the Swedish government, hoping to persuade their 27 European Union partners to implement a blanket sporting ban.

This includes barring Russian athletes from competing on European Union soil.

(AFP)