NO BLOOD IN OUR POOL

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russia is killing people every day. Sport should not be used to cover for it.

In a shocking decision, World Aquatics has decided to lift its ban on russian national teams. As a result, the russian women's water polo national team will compete under the russian flag, anthem and symbols at the 2026 Water Polo World Cup Finals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, 22–26 July 2026 - a tournament governed by World Aquatics and hosted by Water Polo Australia.

russian national teams have largely been banned from competing in international tournaments since the state-sponsored doping scandal exposed ...

russia is killing people every day. Sport should not be used to cover for it.

In a shocking decision, World Aquatics has decided to lift its ban on russian national teams. As a result, the russian women's water polo national team will compete under the russian flag, anthem and symbols at the 2026 Water Polo World Cup Finals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, 22–26 July 2026 - a tournament governed by World Aquatics and hosted by Water Polo Australia.

russian national teams have largely been banned from competing in international tournaments since the state-sponsored doping scandal exposed in 2015–2017 and the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. World Aquatics has now chosen to reverse that ban for their competition events.

This is not a neutral sporting decision. This is “sportswashing”. It normalises aggression, undermines Australia’s position on Ukraine, and weakens international sanctions against russia while the brutal invasion continues. While Ukrainian athletes train under air raid sirens - more than 650 of their fellow athletes have been killed since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion - russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities and murder civilians every single day.

russian athletes are deeply embedded in the state apparatus, and their presence on the world stage serves russia's propaganda effort. Allowing them to compete in Sydney makes Australia complicit in whitewashing war crimes and legitimising a regime built on aggression.

Additionally, many athletes within the russian sporting system are affiliated with clubs and structures tied to the russian military, security services, or state-owned enterprises that support and sustain the war effort. The russian national water polo system itself draws heavily from clubs historically and institutionally linked to the armed forces and state security apparatus.

Aquatic officials from Norway, Finland and Poland have already refused to host World Aquatics events in protest. It’s time Australia added its voice.

What You Can Do

As Australians, we believe in fairness, decency and standing up for those who are suffering. This decision does not reflect those values.

It takes two steps and two minutes. Please write to Water Polo Australia and our government leaders now.

About

This campaign is being led by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO), the peak body for 22 national community organisations in Australia. The AFUO is a member of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) - the global voice for the Ukrainian diaspora.

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Email Water Polo Australia and our political leaders - make your voice heard

51 emails sent

World Aquatics has made the wrong decision in reversing its ban on russian and belarusian national teams in international competition and allowing the russian national team to compete at the 2026 World Cup Finals in Sydney.

Send an email today urging Water Polo Australia urging them to oppose this decision and refuse to put out the welcome mat for athletes representing a regime responsible for illegal aggression and war crimes. Aquatic associations in Norway, Finland, and Poland have already drawn the line. It's time Australia did too.

We've suggested a message to get you started, but write in your own words if you prefer. What matters is that Water Polo Australia and our government leaders hear from you.

Compose your email

Name

Email

Subject:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write to express my deep concern about the participation of the russian national water polo team at the 2026 World Cup Finals in Sydney.

World Aquatics has made the wrong decision in reinstating russian and belarusian national teams. I believe that decision should be reversed. Hosting an officially recognised russian national team in Australia is not a neutral sporting decision. It is a propaganda gift to a regime that is bombing Ukrainian cities and murdering civilians every single day. More than 650 Ukrainian athletes have already been killed by russia. 800 sporting facilities have been destroyed.

Sport must not be used to sportswash a regime responsible for illegal aggression, war crimes, and systematic violations of international law.

Aquatic associations in Norway, Finland, and Poland have already refused to host World Aquatics events in protest, citing their ethical responsibilities. These associations have drawn a clear line. I urge Water Polo Australia to join them and publicly push for this decision to be overturned.

Many athletes within the russian sporting system are affiliated with clubs and structures tied to the russian military, security services, or state-owned enterprises that support and sustain the war effort. The russian national water polo system itself draws heavily from clubs historically and institutionally linked to the armed forces and state security apparatus. I urge the Australian Federal Government to stop these people from entering our shores.

Both Water Polo Australia and the Australian Government have the standing and the responsibility to speak out. Please do not put out the welcome mat for athletes representing a regime killing people every day.

I look forward to your response.

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