Russia, Belarus should be barred from hosting international sports events - U.S. allies

A cardboard cutout caricature of Russian President Vladimir Putin depicted as Adolf Hitler is seen during a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine outside the Russian Embassy in Kappara, Malta, March 8, 2022. REUTERS

Russia and Belarus should not be permitted to host, bid for or be awarded any international sporting events after the invasion of Ukraine, the United States and allies said in a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

The statement calls on international sporting federations to limit sponsorship opportunities for companies tied to Russian and Belarusian governments.