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Russia to maintain contacts with global sports federations, says minister

On February 28, the IOC issued recommendations to international sports federations to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in international tournaments citing the ongoing situation involving Russia in Ukraine

MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. Russian sports’ representatives must continue holding a dialogue with international federations and maintain a diplomatic channel with them, Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said on Thursday.

"We believe it to be important not to severe contacts with international federations, to continue the dialogue and maintain diplomatic channels," the minister said.

"We hope that this period will not be long, it is important to preserve bridges in order to reach the regular level on cooperation in line with the tournaments’ calendar," he continued. "China has been and remains our main partner."

On February 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations to international sports federations to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in international tournaments citing the ongoing situation involving Russia in Ukraine.

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