The fall out in Russia continues as more events leave Russia or ban Russians from participating.
The Verbier Festival had given maestro Valery Gergiev the ultimatum of withdrawing his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine or be fired as the musical director.
Verbier has confirmed that Gergiev has resigned his position as the Festival’s director of music.
In addition, Verbier has said that they will not accept any donations by a nation that has been sanctioned by a western government; nor will they include any artist who supports Putin and the invasion.
The Edinburgh International Festival has also accepted Gergiev’s resignation as the Festival’s Honourary President.
Gergiev, a friend and supporter of Putin, had already been removed as the conductor for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s United States tour.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter has followed through on his promise to fire Gergiev as the conductor of the Munich Philharmonic over his stance on the Ukraine.
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has also followed through and fired Gergiev over his support of Putin and Russia.
The Teatro in Milan have all said that they will remove Gergiev from events unless the maestro withdraws his support for Putin and push for a peaceful solution with Ukraine.
Gergiev continues as the music director of the Mariinsky Theatre and the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.
While not in support of Putin or his actions;soprano Anna Netrebko is stepping away from performing saying, “as I have said, I am opposed to this senseless war of aggression and I am calling on Russia to end this war right now, to save all of us. We need peace right now.” She added, “this is not a time for me to make music and perform.”
Hollywood has thrown their hat in the field of sanctions with Warner Bros announcing that they will cease all film distribution into Russia, including the new “The Batman” film set for a March 4 release. Walt Disney Co. and Sony Pictures have also chosen to pause any film releases into Russia. Disney has stated that future release decisions will be made depending upon the situation at the time.
While not one of the major film markets for Hollywood, Russia does rank among the top dozen countries that make up the global markets.
As citizens flee the Ukraine on foot and in trains, the 20 athletes scheduled to perform in the Paralympic Games set to begin March 4 are expected to make it to Beijing in time for the games to begin on Friday.
The Russian and Belarus athletes will be allowed to participate, but like the Olympic team the Paralympic team will compete under the neutral flag with a neutral anthem.
The list of sporting events alienating Russian athletes from their events continues to grow…
Ice skating, skiing, basketball, and track and field organizations have all banned Russia from competing in events. Russia is also banned from some international tennis events.
Previously world football and hockey groups have banned Russian athletes.
The International Skating Union has also added Belarus to their banned athletes. The ban means that it is possible that the Winter Olympics in Beijing was the last time that ice skating fans got to see members of the Russian ice skating team perform.
Not surprisingly Russia has some harsh words for the decision saying, “our country has always adhered to the principle that sport is beyond politics, but we are constantly drawn into the politics, because they understand the importance of sport in the lives of our Russian people.”
The World Tennis Association and American Tennis organization has stated that Russian players may participate but will not be able to show their flags. However, they are not allowed to play in the Davis Cup or Billie Jean King Cup despite having already qualfied for the events.
Even after having already arrived in Norway for the next International Ski Federation event, the Russian and Belarus athletes have been sent home, banned from participation.
Already competing in track and field events under a neutral flag due to doping issues, the Russian and Belarus athletes have now been banned from competition.
The International Basketball Federation has suspended Russia from playing which will not allow them to qualify for the World Cup next year. The women’s team had already qualified for their World Cup event in September.
The Intern Volleyball Federation has removed the men’s world championship in August and has suspended the Russian team from playing in international events.
The organizations ruling badminton, canoeing, and triathlon have also chosen to ban Russia from any competition.
Swimming’s governing body will allow Russian and Belarus athletes to participate but only under the body’s FINA flag.
In cycling, will allow Russian riders to compete under a neutral flag but Russian team and sponsors will not be allwed.
Formula One has pulled the Russian Grand Prix from the schedule but will allow Russian drivers to race, but will not be allowed to paint their cars with the colours of the Russian flag.
This summer the World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, but the multi-sport event has banned Russian and Belarus athletes and officials from participation in any event that is not already a part of the list of Olympic sports.
Adidas, a sporting equipment company, has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Russian football team.
feature photo credit: East European population and languages – Russian map of 1907.jpg