A tough move by the biggest kickboxing organization! GLORY released all the Russians: It’s not their fault, it’s in their best interest

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is still moving the world and where patience has been, it is running out. An example is the famous GLORY organization, which is an imaginary league of champion kickboxers. It has now released all the Russian fighters.

Russia is still attacking Ukraine and nothing has been able to get it to stop its aggression. Not even financial sanctions, the rapid fall in the value of the rouble or the potential withdrawal from SWIFT.

Many athletes and other people with Russian citizenship, who may even be protesting against the war, are paying the price for the unacceptable behaviour of their government apparatus. Now the kickboxing organisation GLORY has taken the radical step.

Not because it wants to discriminate against Russian athletes because of their origin. On the contrary. First of all, since February GLORY has been allowing Russian fighters to perform under a neutral flag on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.

Unfortunately, this did not help anything. “Because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which GLORY condemns, we have encountered obstacles that have made it impossible for Russian athletes to organize matches. For example, travel bans, security concerns, blocking of payments in an environment of global financial sanctions against Russia,” the organization said in a statement.

What to do about it? GLORY has released Russian fighters, including welterweight champion Artem Vakhitov. The organization defends itself by saying this is the best move for everyone. Russian athletes will be able to fight elsewhere.

“We want to thank our Russian fighters for their cooperation during a difficult period and for their performances. We appreciate them as athletes, competitors or friends. This unfortunate situation is not their fault, but it is not our fault either,” GLORY chief Scott Rudmann let slip.

Besides, Rudmann noted that GLORY has made a tremendous effort, but that the challenges of the real world are simply insurmountable these days.

Source: GLORY