U.S. among 35 countries urging tougher sanctions on Russian, Belarusian sports

MOSCOW. July 5 (Interfax) - The United States and 34 more countries have called for tougher sports sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

"Russian and Belarusian sport national governing bodies should be suspended from international sport federations," a joint statement published on the U.S. Department of State website said.

"Individuals closely aligned to the Russian and Belarusian states, including but not limited to government officials, should be removed from positions of influence on international sport federations, such as boards and organizing committees.

"National and international sports organizations should consider suspending the broadcasting of sports competitions into Russia and Belarus."

In case athletes in either country are permitted to take part in competitions, they can only do so as neutral athletes and "the use of official state Russian and Belarusian flags, emblems and anthems should be prohibited," the statement said.

Earlier, at the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee, most international sports organizations barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from their competitions.