Sports is one of the main sources of unity and prosperity when it comes to bringing people and the world together. But recent political crisis between Russia and Ukraine has had an adverse effect on the Industry.
As Russia initiated its invasion into Ukraine the world stood together in boycotting the Russian people, companies, and the nation itself altogether. Russia has been cornered on every ground possible be it business or people. Sports, which people look towards as a product of peace and harmony is having a domino effect because of the war situation on the east side of the world.
What Is The Issue Between Russia and Ukraine?
As Russia is facing sanctions after sanctions from the western countries, the country and its people have also taken a hit from the sporting fraternity. As governments started putting bans, they are also pushing the sports industry to follow the same norm in order to create more pressure on the Russian government. There are many events that are being canceled due to ongoing tension.
Many clubs from the Football Fraternity are removing their Russian business alliances. Manchester United has terminated its association with Russian based airline Aeroflot. UEFA has replaced the UEFA Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris in France. Formula 1 has canceled its contract with Russia and has also canceled the Russian GrandPrix. Adding salt to the wound, FIFA has banned the Russian national team from participating in the upcoming FIFA World cup in 2022.
The Domino Effect on the Sports Industry
When banning the teams, terminating alliances, and dissociation were not enough, the players became a new target. In recent developments, The Hass F1 team has terminated the contract of its driver Nikita Mazepin. The player is shocked by the news but is well aware of the reasons and consequences he’s bearing. They even revoked their title sponsorship deal with Uralkali due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The problems are never-ending for the Russians. When bans from physical sports were not enough, the country took a hit in the field of the gaming world. FIFA has removed all the club teams from its flagship game in association with EA Sports. The biggest hit, if anyone has taken, is the Chelsea Football Club. Their current Club owner Roman Abramovich has put the club on sale. He is also selling off all his assets in the UK territory.
Is The Ban on Players and Clubs the Right Move?
Well, this is a debatable topic. Different people will have different opinions. Ask fans of the country that is under attack, and they will call it a right move. Ask people from different regions, and you will get different opinions. Now, the question arises: Why is it a good move, or why not?
Good because desperate times demand desperate decisions. It is a move to pressure the Russian government to initiate a ceasefire in the region. No club or association is making such moves as a personal vendetta against any person or a country in particular. All of this is just a move to put an end to war and get the business back on track. Many would term it as “Collateral Damage”.
READ MORE:Â Ukraine crisis: Russia to appeal against football ban imposed by Fifa and Uefa
War does not bring any fruitful outcomes to anyone, and it is clearly visible. Sports is a measuring stick for humanity, unity, and brotherhood and should always remain the same. It is a tool to bring people and the world together and must be used as that only and nothing else.
What are your thoughts on the current situation and its effects on the sports industry? Do you think what is being done is correct, or is there a better way to end all this peacefully? In the end, we all can hope that all this ends as soon as possible so that sports can focus on one thing: entertainment.
