Ukraine calls on FIA to reconsider lifting ban on competitors from Russia, Belarus

Aug 18 : Ukraine has urged motorsport's world governing body to reconsider lifting a ban on competitors from Russia and Belarus in international events.The ban on participants from the two countries competing with their own flags and anthems, in place since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, was lifted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) last week.The BBC reported Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports had written to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem requesting the decision be reconsidered.Ukraine's Automobile Federation said in a statement the FIA move had "come as a complete surprise". An FIA spokesperson, confirming the Ukrainian letter, said on Tuesday the requirements for Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams and officials had been updated following a vote by the FIA's Worl