Sport In Survival Mode: How Sanctions Are Reshaping Russia’s Future

International sanctions often hurl target states into a form of survival mode. Since invading Ukraine, Russia has faced increasing isolation from Western nations. This isolation has extended beyond politics and economics into the world of international sport. Russian teams and officials have been expelled or suspended from numerous international sporting federations, significantly reducing the country’s presence on the global sporting stage.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games saw the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rule that Russian athletes could only compete as neutral athletes. To be eligible, athletes were required not to support the war and were prohibited from wearing national colours, displaying the Russian flag, or using the national anthem. Similar restrictions are applying to Russian athletes at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, and the IOC president has stated that Russian athletes will not be permitted to represent their country under the national flag even if the war in Ukraine were to end.

Beyond the Olympic Games, Russia has also been banned from major international sporting bodies such as FIFA, UEFA, and FIBA. These bans have had a direct and damaging impact on athletes, many of whom have been denied the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Missing international tournaments reduces athletes’ exposure, limits their experience against elite competitors, and can significantly hinder their development and career progression.

These sporting prohibitions have an impact on the economy as a whole in addition to specific athletes. Russia's failure to host major international championships has resulted in a huge loss of international sporting revenue. These kinds of events usually bring in money from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and tourism.

Furthermore, a nation's reputation is greatly influenced by its performance in, and identification with, international sports. Foreign investment in sports infrastructure has decreased since Russian federations were barred from major tournaments, investors being naturally less inclined to allocate funds to a nation that is not included in international sporting networks. 

The long-term effect on youth development may be most worrisome for the Russian sporting scene. A desert of funding and foreign chances hardly motivates young athletes. Future generations will find it more difficult to reach elite levels as a result of the talent pipeline being weakened by a lack of sponsorship and competitive exposure.

Sport is more than competition. It plays a vital role in building national pride, strengthening international relationships, creating economic opportunities, and inspiring young people and communities. 

In order for Russian athletes to continue growing in their careers, many have chosen to stop waiting for the bans to be lifted and have instead decided to represent other countries. This path has been taken not only by athletes, but also by coaches, who have started working with foreign teams.

This trend was clearly visible at the European Ice Skating Championships, which took place in Sheffield, UK, this year, where many Russian-born athletes who secured silver and gold medals were representing other countries such as Georgia and Germany. While it may not be a sensitive issue for some countries to see a Russian-born athlete represent them, it is clearly an issue for Georgian supporters, as Russia is occupying 20% of Georgia’s territory and has long been considered the country’s main threat.

While Russian propaganda continues to claim that Russia’s all-round isolation has not harmed the country, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Kremlin is killing its public life. Russians are now searching for alternative ways to survive, succeed, and develop.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/M. Smelter

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