Angling bans Russia and Belarus from international competitions

In common with many other sports across the world, angling has expelled Russian and Belarusian teams from all international competitions in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The decision was taken by the Confédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive (CIPS) – the body that oversees competitive international angling.

In a letter to the fishing federations of the two countries, CIPS President, Professor Ugo Matteoli, said: “CIPS has taken the decision to accomplish the international Olympic Committee’s recommendations and to follow the ideal of many other international sports federations to temporarily ban the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, national teams and clubs in any CIPS/FIPS international championships.”

Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust, which represents anglers in the UK, supported the move. He said: “It is good to see the international sporting community taking a stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the brutal bombing and shelling of innocent civilians.

“From football to hockey and rugby to judo, the sports governing bodies are making it clear that any participation by Russia in international events and competitions cannot be allowed to go ahead while its troops are invading a sovereign nation and indiscriminately killing people.

“Angling has its part to play and I welcome the decision of CIPS to exclude the Russian and Belarusian teams as a gesture of solidarity with our fellow fishermen in Ukraine.”