UPBF suspends Russian and Belarusian National Teams until further notice

Paul Grobler, March 4, 2022

Following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations, the United Paintball Federation (UPBF) has decided that Russian and Belarusian nationals shall be suspended from participation in all UPBF events until further notice.

The decision has been taken in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants according to the IOC. UPBF will however accept individuals or teams from Russia or Belarus as authorised neutral athletes (ANA). Under this rule these individuals or teams will not be allowed to participate under the Russian or Belarusian national flags, display any national symbols on their uniforms or sports gear or sing national anthems at events.

UPBF categorically states that we abstain from commenting on the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, and that the federation strongly believes in the fundamental principle that sport should remain neutral and that no religious or political interferences should affect the sport, individuals or teams. UPBF celebrates all athletes performances irrespective of their nationalities.