MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) - The Biathlon Federation of Belarus (BiFB) has published an official statement regarding the IBU's decision to suspend Belarus' membership in the union, BelTA learned from the BiFB website.
"We resolutely disagree with the decision of the Executive Board of the International Biathlon Union to suspend our membership in the union and to ban athletes from international competitions held under the auspices of the IBU. In this regard, we have communicated our position to the IBU about the groundlessness of these decisions, our convincing arguments in favor of their speedy cancellation. Objectively assessing the current situation, accusations and restrictions regarding the Belarusian biathlon, we, together with the Russian Biathlon Union, continue to work actively to restore the rights of the federation and our athletes using a wide range of legal tools and other possibilities. Interaction with the IBU on this and other issues continues. There is enough time before the start of the competitive season and the next IBU Congress, which will be held in September 2022, to come to grips with the situation and to restore justice. The Biathlon Federation of Belarus is doing everything in its power to protect the legitimate rights of the Belarusian biathlon, athletes, coaches and the sports community, being guided by the interests of the national biathlon and for the sake of its future," the statement reads.
Earlier the IBU Executive Board unanimously decided to suspend the National Federations of Russia (RBU) and Belarus (BiFB). The organization is monitoring the development of events and may reconsider the decision in the event of a change in circumstances.
