Russia restored luge rights

It was the first international federation to restore rights to the aggressor country.

The Russian Luge Federation has been able to regain the status of a full member of the International Luge Federation (FIL).

By a decision on March 2, 2022, Russia and Belarus were removed from the federation in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. Athletes from these countries cannot be represented in international competitions, and competitions cannot be held in the states themselves.

However, the Russians filed an appeal against this decision, which was considered by the FIL Court of Appeal and on Thursday, April 7, the body decided to restore Russia to all rights. Thus, the Russians can take part in competitions, as well as starts can take place in Russia.

Six countries – Australia, Canada, USA, Ireland, Great Britain and New Zealand – after the announcement of the Court of Appeal’s decision have initiated an emergency meeting of Congress. It is noteworthy that Ukraine is not on the list of countries that convened the meeting.

According to FIL official website, the main agenda is the exclusion of the Russian Luge Federation from FIL membership. To do so, it was necessary to get 2/3 of the votes (out of 31), but only 15 participants of Congress supported this measure, 12 more voted against, and 4 abstained.

The only thing Congress has achieved is the exclusion of Russian representatives from membership of the Executive Council. It required a majority vote – 16 countries voted in favor, 13 voted against, and 3 abstained.

Thus, the Russian Luge Federation remains a member of the International Luge Federation, and all athletes are restored to their rights and can compete.

Earlier, the UEFA president responded to the call to stop broadcasting European cups to Russia.