Ukraine withdraws from the Fencing World Cup because it does not want to face Russia (and the Russians applauded the situation) – Observer

The European Futsal Cup semi-final between Russia and UkraineAt the beginning of February, when the only thing was to talk about the tense atmosphere between the two countries, it caused particular discomfort in UEFA although everything went well at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. a reason? Since 2007 it There was no confrontation between the two countries in competitions organized by the European Football Association. And in football, for example, they haven’t crossed paths since qualifying for the European Championship in 2002. More: As the Guardian reports at the time, since the conquest of Crimea, they have always had a different pot in draws. , there was only one match and in Women’s European Futsal in 2019.

Lots of tension, security reinforced, alleged increase in premiums. After all, it was just a game. Russia beat Ukraine

It is the same in sports under the auspices of UEFA, it is not always the case in other sports. And just this month, there were some examples of how it works Sports can build bridges that others destroy, As seen on the podium with a symbolic embrace between Ukraine’s Oleksandr Abramenko and Russia’s Ilya Burov, the silver and bronze medalists in figure skating at the Beijing Olympics (which they actually scored at the same moment four years ago in Pyeongchang, South Korea) and as seen in the world of esports New and growing, as Russians and Ukrainians compete in the same teams.

However, increasingly, Everything has its time and context. And a Ukrainian team decided to take a stand of strength in the face of what they see as crossing all red lines.

It bears many meanings from Cairo.. the moment of the withdrawal of the Ukraine national team against Russia in the Finch World Cup in Egypt, amid the roofing and greetings of all the attendees in the Cairo Stadium hall ❤️ ??????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????

Source: coronation website pic.twitter.com/MFsQRFncp3

– Egypt Sports Network (ESNEgypt_) February 27 2022

On Sunday, Ukraine decided to withdraw from the tournament because it did not want to face Russia, explaining that the Fencing World Cup, which is being held at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, had reached the round of 16 in the team competitions. The reason for the gesture and leaving the room with a small sign that says “Stop the war, save Ukraine.” This moment had an even greater impact because you can see in the video that two Russian athletes still clap their hands to the event for a few seconds.

While Hong Kong athletes may feel they can’t post how they really feel about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fencing champion Cheung Ka Long posted this on his Instagram story earlier today: pic.twitter.com/PT0gUhFU23

– Brandon (@b3108) February 27 2022

The Ukrainian national team left Cairo International Stadium under with a big ovation From those present, in what was the great moment of the competition which under normal circumstances would not cease to be a mere world cup in fencing, but soon it spread as countless manifestations of support for the country and demands for an end to the war which was spreading to many countries in various forms . This is our protest against the war. We cannot compete with them while our families are in danger, and everyone in our country is in danger.”

The Ukrainian national team refuses to face the Russian team in a tournament in Cairo, suitable for the international fencing arena.

The International Sports Federation is led by a billionaire oligarch of Putin. pic.twitter.com/2E5JK5Kl4S

– Demetrio Viccioli (@Olhar_Olimpico) February 27 2022

Another point that is not overlooked is the fact that the International Fencing Federation led by the Russian Alisher Usmanov, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune with the collapse of the Soviet Union is one of the people. Very close to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Since the 1990s, Usmanov is also a shareholder in Arsenal, which in recent days has led to many questions being raised among other Premier League clubs who have asked for a position, as happened with Roman Abramovich at Chelsea.