London-Sana
The British Automobile Federation today banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from participating in any race on British soil due to Russia's special operation in Ukraine.
Reuters reported that Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin would not be able to compete in the British Grand Prix on his Russian licence, after the decision, which came a day after the International Automobile Federation announced that drivers from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete as independents under its flag.
By targeting the nationality of license holders, the BMA decision will disqualify drivers from Russia and Belarus from participating regardless of what flag they are competing under.
The British Motor Federation's move was not the first of its kind in the context of clear bias against Russia and attempts to politicize sports tournaments to serve certain goals, as the International Federation of FIFA and the European Football Association UEFA issued an unfair decision against the Russian teams and clubs willing to play matches within both federations.
The International Swimming Federation also canceled the World Junior Championships, which was scheduled to be held in the Russian city of Kazan next August, due to the Russian military operation in Ukraine.