Statement from European Championships Munich 2022 Local Organising Committee and European Championships Management

We, as the Local Organising Committee and Management Partner of the European Championships Munich 2022, condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine and are observing the ongoing events with deep concern.

We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian sporting community and stand firmly behind the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and other international sports federations, who are advising sports event organisers not to invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.

We are aware that this recommendation affects and effectively punishes athletes who cannot be held accountable for the decisions of their governments. However, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from taking part in sports events because of the attack on their country. As it is our concern to ensure safe conditions and a fair competition, we hereby take a clear stance on the current political situation.

The European Championships are a union of nine European championships and will be the largest multi-sport event in Germany since the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. As the event hosts and organisers, we are in constant and active exchange with the respective governing bodies of the participating sports.

We are following the change of events in Ukraine closely and any decision on competition-related sanctions will be relayed to our European Championships Board members with vigour. This matter will be discussed at the upcoming European Championships Munich 2022 Board meeting in mid-March.