The joint Ministerial statement to which the Deputy refers, and the three other statements issued previously, represent a strong and welcome international consensus against the completely unwarranted and unjustified aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. All of these statements were made on the basis of an explicit recognition and respect for the autonomy of sporting organisations. As such, the question of enforcement against non-compliance does not arise.
Since the first joint statement was issued on 8 March 2022, there has been a generally widespread adherence by the international sport community to the principles and approach advocated by Ministers in the various statements. I am encouraged by the maintenance of this consistent support by the great majority of sporting organisations. With regard to the minority of sporting organisations that choose to follow a different approach, while I fully recognise their autonomy in this matter I would urge them to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including through supporting the continuation of Ukrainian sport.
