EU seeks to curb Russian athletes’ return to international competitions – media

Brussels is reportedly weighing funding cuts and other measures in order to influence decisions traditionally made by independent sports federations The EU is considering measures to curb the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sports under their national flags following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ease restrictions, Euractiv reported on Thursday, citing EU diplomats.The proposals were outlined by the EU diplomatic service and the European Commission in a non-paper and have yet to become a formal EC proposal, according to the outlet.Measures under discussion include targeted sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals linked to Russian and Belarusian sports. Brussels is also considering using EU funding as leverage by restricting financial support for organizations that allow athletes from the two countries to compete under their national symbols.Another option would seek to curb media revenues linked to Russian athletes, although diplomats have acknowledged that the measure could be difficult to implement. The EU could also approach third countries in an effort to discourage them from facilitating the return of Russian ...