Ukraine Motorsport Federation Appeals FIA Decision to Lift Russia Ban

Ukraine’s national motorsport authority has appealed the FIA’s decision to lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian competitors in international events. BBC Sport reported that the Ukrainian Automobile Federation, known as the FAU, took its challenge to the FIA Court of Appeal, described as the governing body’s highest appellate authority. The appeal came three days after the FAU requested an urgent ethics committee investigation.

The restrictions had applied since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The FIA removed them on August 3, following a July 7 announcement by the International Olympic Committee and comparable changes by other international sports federations. International motorsport events remain prohibited in Russia and Belarus under the FIA’s revised position.

The FAU’s case centers partly on its allegation that the Russian Automobile Federation has opened and operates offices in Crimea, Sevastopol, and occupied parts of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Those areas are internationally recognized as sovereign Ukrainian territory. The FAU argues that the Russian federation’s activities breach FIA statutes and the International Sporting Code, including the rule permitting one recognized automobile club in each country.

FAU president Oleksandr Feldman said the Ukrainian body would pursue the legal remedies available under FIA rules. The federation also contends that restoring Russian and Belarusian participation creates practical restrictions for Ukrainians and competitors from countries whose policies prohibit competing where Russian national symbols are displayed. That position is the FAU’s argument and has not yet been decided by the appeal court.

According to the FAU statement cited by BBC Sport, 23 Ukrainian motorsport competitors and officials have been killed since the invasion, while the war has disrupted events and restricted travel. The FAU also noted that Russian Automobile Federation president Boris Rotenberg is subject to sanctions imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and other jurisdictions.

The FIA said before Ukraine formally escalated its protest that its World Motor Sport Council had approved the updated requirements. It added that it continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine, retains the ban on holding competitions in Russia and Belarus, and could revise its position again. BBC Sport said the FIA had been approached for further comment, leaving the appeal’s timetable and outcome unresolved.