Lithuania condemns FIBA decision to let Russian and Belarusian representatives return to competitions

Lithuania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has sharply criticized FIBA’s decision to reopen international basketball competitions to individual representatives from Russia and Belarus.

The ministry said the move does not reflect reality and sends the world the wrong signal. FIBA’s executive committee decided on September 1 to remove individual restrictions on Russian and Belarusian basketball players, coaches, referees, commissioners and other officials. The decision took effect immediately, covering FIBA basketball and 3x3 competitions.

Lithuania nevertheless urged its athletes not to boycott competitions abroad. A withdrawal, the ministry said, could expose them to sanctions and cost them opportunities to compete. It could also make it easier for representatives of the aggressor states to win. “We support the principle of fighting on the sports field, which is also followed by Ukrainian athletes. However, Lithuania’s principled position remains unchanged: Russian and Belarusian athletes must not participate in any international competitions while the war is ongoing,” the ministry said.

Lithuania’s recommendations for national sports federations and organizations also remain unchanged. They should not invite or admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions held in Lithuania. If athletes from those countries do take part, they would first have to sign an official declaration clearly condemning the war and expressing support for Ukraine. They would also be barred from displaying national flags, symbols or other identifying signs.

The ministry has proposed that Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry amend the law on restrictive measures related to military aggression against Ukraine. The proposed change would ban Russian and Belarusian citizens from attending sports and academic events organized in Lithuania. Lithuania and eight other European countries have also asked the European Commission to review and restrict financial and other support for international sports organizations that soften their position toward Russia and Belarus. FIBA has not yet decided whether the countries’ national teams and clubs will return. It plans to consider their reintegration in December.

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We support the principle of fighting on the sports field, which is also followed by Ukrainian athletes. However, Lithuania’s principled position remains unchanged: Russian and Belarusian athletes must not participate in any international competitions while the war is ongoing.