In The Aftermath Of The Attack On Ukraine, Putin Was Removed From The Honorary President Of International Judo

Red paint is seen smeared over a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin during an anti-war protest outside the Russian Embassy/ ANTARA FOTO/Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS/aww.

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin has been temporarily removed from the post of honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF) after his country launched its invasion of Ukraine, the sports association said on Sunday, February 27.

"In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation," the IJF statement said.

Putin is an accomplished judoka who was awarded the eighth Dan -- one of the highest levels in the martial sport -- in 2014. He has been honorary president of the IJF since 2008.

IJF President Marius Vizer in 2014 even praised Putin as the perfect ambassador for the sport.

The suspension of Putin's status at the IJF adds to the string of sporting penalties handed down against Russia.

European football's governing body UEFA previously ruled out Saint Petersburg as the venue for the Champions League final on 28 May.

In addition, Formula 1 has also canceled the Grand Prix race in Sochi scheduled for September 25 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Not only that, Poland and Sweden have also stated that they will not play against Russia in the 2022 World Cup playoffs.

The Swedish government has even asked the 27 member states of the European Union to impose comprehensive sports sanctions on Russia, including banning Russian athletes from competing in European Union championships, AFP reported.