From F1 to Eurovision: Here’s who is boycotting Russia over the Ukraine invasion

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This article was published 24/02/2022 (938 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted a number of swift retaliatory measures from governments across the globe, but the disapproval of President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions in the region goes beyond politics and financial sanctions.

Various sporting and cultural events have already announced they would move or cancel events to take place in Russia or involve the country, with more to possibly come. Soccer’s UEFA was one of the first, announcing the Champions League final in May would move to Paris from St. Petersburg.

It’s not uncommon for repercussions, relocations and boycotts to happen on the cultural front during times of war, and this list will most likely continue to grow as tensions escalate between Russia and the West.

Here’s what’s changing and why:

Champions League moves final

The governing body of European soccer, UEFA, announced Feb. 25 that it will move the May 28 final from St. Petersburg to Paris. The match was originally supposed to be played in a stadium built for the 2018 World Cup and financed by Russian energy giant Gazprom, a major UEFA sponsor.

The group said its decision to move the game was due to “the grave escalation of the security situation in Europe,” adding that it’ll relocate any further games being played in Russia or Ukraine before that May final.

The moves puts pressure on FIFA over how to respond to the crisis, which is slated to host a World Cup qualifying match in Moscow in March.

F1 closes track on Russian Grand Prix

Formula One has cancelled the Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sept. 25 in Sochi, saying in a statement that it would be “impossible” to hold the race over the current circumstances.

“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation,” the racing body said in the statement.

Many drivers welcomed the decision to pull the event, with some publicly condemning Putin’s actions prior to the decision just days before.

Eurovision boots Russia

One of the biggest televised events in Europe has decided to give Russia the boot.

The Eurovision Song Contest, which attracted 183 million viewers last year, has decided to bar Russia from participating in this year’s song-and-dance competition, stating that allowing Russia “would bring the competition into disrepute.”

The competition begins on May 10 at the PalaOlimpico in Turin, Italy.

ATP cans tennis tournament

The ATP Challenger tournament planned to take place in Moscow on Feb. 28 was cancelled due to concerns over player safety and the uncertainty of international travel as the crisis escalates.

Finnish team withdraws from KHL playoffs

The Helsingin Jokerit — or Jokers — based in Helsinki, Finland, have withdrawn from the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League playoffs over the invasion of Ukraine. The league had previously cut its regular season short a few weeks ago, opting to go straight into playoffs in early March, with many speculating the decision was due to the impending invasion.

Jari Kurri, the first Finnish player in the hockey Hall of Fame and chairman of the club, made the decision to withdraw, saying that “in the current global situation, it would have been impossible to continue the season.”

The Jokerit were originally expected to face the HC Spartak Moscow on March 1.

Curling removes Euro championships from Russia

The World Curling Federation has moved the 2022 European Championships in November from the Russian city of Perm after an emergency vote. The tournament, originally scheduled for Nov. 19-26, will now move to a new city, to be announced at a later date.

IOC sends warning to sports federations

The International Olympic Committee made a wide statement on Feb. 25 urging all sports federations to move or cancel events in Russia and Belarus, saying the two nations have violated a UN truce by all 193 members that was supposed to be respected until March 20, or seven days after the close of the Paralympic Games.

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With files from the Associated Press, The Canadian Press and the New York Times.

Justin Smirlies is a Star digital producer based in Toronto. Reach him via email: jsmirlies@thestar.ca