Aussie Olympian's powerful move against Russia after invasion

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed his support after Aussie aerial skier Danielle Scott announced she was leaving Russia and won't compete at upcoming World Cup events in the country.

Scott, who recently competed at the Beijing Winter Olympics, said she could not believe the situation after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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"Decision has been made to leave Russia and not compete in the final World Cups," she wrote on Twitter.

"I can’t believe this is happening. In the uniquely unifying power of sport, I wished so badly for this situation to be different."

The prime minister later issued his public support for Scott and urged other athletes and sporting bodies to follow suit.

"All international sporting events in Russia should have their authorisations withdrawn from all international sporting bodies," Mr Morrison tweeted.

"This includes the F1 grand prix in Sochi."

Speaking to reporters in Adelaide, the PM added: "The F1 should not be held in Russia, international tournaments should not be held there.

"I commend those Australians that are saying they won't participate in anything that is occurring in Russia this year.

"This is how you impose a cost on Russia that is invading its neighbour."

Sporting world reacts to Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian Grand Prix is due to be held in late September, however there are major doubts about whether it will take place.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has called on the sport's governing body not to hold the event in Russia.

"My own opinion is I should not go," Vettel said.

"I'm sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership."

Vettel indicated that he would boycott the race should it take place, calling it "wrong" to race in Russia.

Football organisation UEFA is also set to strip St Petersburg of the hosting rights of the Champions League final, which is set to be held in May.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee on Friday when the issue will be discussed.

A joint statement from the football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have also called for next month's World Cup playoffs in Russia to be played elsewhere.

"The signatories to this appeal do not consider travelling to Russia and playing football matches there," the statement said.

And the International Olympic Committee has also blasted Vladimir Putin for breaking the 'Olympic Truce'.

The IOC pointed out that all 193 UN member states had agreed last December to a global truce beginning seven days before the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing and ending seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games on March 13.

"Today, IOC President Thomas Bach reiterates his call for peace, which he expressed in his speeches at the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games," the IOC said.

The IOC also said that "following recent events," it was "deeply concerned about the safety of the Olympic Community in Ukraine."

with agencies

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