The International Finn Association (IFA) Executive Committee strongly condemns the violence in Ukraine and hopes hostilities will end soon. Our thoughts are with our fellow Ukrainian Finn sailors and we hope they and their family and friends remain safe.

In line with the World Sailing statement issued 1 March, the Executive Committee backs the IOC recommendation regarding no participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes or officials at major IFA events.

As a result, effective 1 March 2022 and until further notice, IFA will not accept athletes or officials from Russia or Belarus in any major IFA event (Finn Gold Cup, Finn Open Europeans, Finn World Masters, Finn European Masters, Finn Silver Cup) and recommends the same for other international events outside the control of IFA.

Furthermore, during this time IFA will not run any class related activities in Russia or Belarus nor cooperate with any Russian or Belarusian entity.

IFA would like to stress this is announced with a heavy heart due to the extreme circumstances and hopes that all sailors remain safe and will be welcome again soon.

IFA will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the advice as appropriate.