Ukraine appeals FIA decision to lift Russian motorsport ban

The Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU) has filed an appeal with the FIA Appeal Tribunal following the decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors in international motorsport. The restriction, which had been in place since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was rescinded by the FIA World Motorsport Council on August 3, following a similar move by the International Olympic Committee.

Ukrainian officials, including Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi, have criticized the decision, stating that the conditions leading to the original ban have not changed and have, in some respects, worsened. Bidnyi noted that Russian attacks on Ukraine continue and that Belarus remains a military supporter of the Russian invasion.

The FAU argues that the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) is in violation of FIA statutes by operating offices in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Oleksandr Feldman, president of the FAU, characterized the decision as a flagrant violation of international sporting codes, asserting that a national sporting authority cannot be established through military force. While individual competitors may now participate, the hosting of international motorsport events within Russia or Belarus remains prohibited.