World Curling Federation extends suspension of Russian, Belarusian athletes until end of 2022-2023 season

MOSCOW. Dec 20 (Interfax) - The World Curling Federation has extended the restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes until the end of the 2022-2023 season, the World Curling press service said in a statement.

"Following a meeting of the World Curling Federation Board, the decision was taken to continue not to allow participation of Belarus and Russia from World Curling events until the end of the 2022-2023 season," the statement said.

Earlier, both member associations were barred from World Curling competitions until the end of 2022.

"The board are continuing to monitor member association and athlete concerns relating to the conflict and reserve the right to revisit their decision if required," the statement said.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended in February 2022 that international sport federations suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes over the Ukraine situation. Most federations followed the IOC's recommendation.