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Scott Morrison backs boycott of international sporting events in Russia

Courtney GouldNCA NewsWire
A plan to boycott international sporting events in Russia has received the backing of Scott Morrison. NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles
Camera IconA plan to boycott international sporting events in Russia has received the backing of Scott Morrison. NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles Credit: News Corp Australia

A plan to boycott international sporting events in Russia has received the backing of Scott Morrison.

The Prime Minister on Friday welcomed a decision by Australian winter Olympian Danielle Scott to leave Russia and not compete in the World Cup due to be held in Yaroslavl at the weekend.

The International Ski Federation says the events in Russia will go ahead as planned despite the nation’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Ms Scott, an aerial skier who recently competed at the Beijing Winter Olympics, said she could not believe the state of the world.

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“In the uniquely unifying power of sport, I wished so badly for this situation to be different,” she said on Twitter.

Shortly after, Mr Morrison threw his support behind Ms Scott and also called for Russia to lose the rights to global sporting events.

“All international sporting events in Russia should have their authorisations withdrawn from all international sporting bodies,” Mr Morrison said.

“This includes the F1 Grand Prix in Sochi.”

Speaking with reporters in Adelaide, Mr Morrison repeated his call for sporting events in the nation to be cancelled.

“I commend those Australians that are saying they won't participate in anything that is occurring in Russia this year,” he added.

“This is the way you impose a cost on Russia that is invading its neighbour.”

The Grand Prix is due to be held in September.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has already said he will not compete.

“I think it’s wrong to race in the country. I’m sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed (for) stupid reasons and a very strange and mad leadership,” Vettel said.

AP reports Russia will no longer play host to the Champions League football final as a consequence of the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee have condemned Russia.

Russia’s name, flag and anthem are already barred from the March winter Paralympics in Beijing.

Originally published as Scott Morrison backs boycott of international sporting events in Russia

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