Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation following Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The Russian president is a judo blackbelt and even co-authored a book about the sport, titled ‘Judo: History, Theory, Practice’.
Putin was made honorary president of the IJF in 2008, his most senior official position in world sports, and watched judo at London 2012.
However, the governing body yesterday tried to distance themselves from their most famous fan by temporarily stripping him of his title.
They said in a statement: ‘In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation,’ said the IJF in a statement.
The IJF has also called off their prestigious Grand Slam competition, which was due to take place in Russian city Kazan in May.
It comes after the International Olympic Committee called on all sports federations to cancel or move all international events in Russia.
‘We are saddened by the current international situation,’ said the IJF.
