The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has announcedits condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result, it suspended the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS) from FIM events. In taking the action, The FIM also recommended that all FIM and FIM Continental Unions take similar steps.

The FIM’s recommendation has led theFIM North America董事会同意的鳍板的s actions unanimously. The net result is that all riders from the Russian and Belarusian motorcycle federations cannot participate in FIM North American activities. In addition, the riders are also banned from participating in the activities of both FIM North American member federations, the Canadian Motorcycle Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Photo: FIM North America

Riders participating in FIM North America activities are typically required to obtain start permissions from their home federations to race in a foreign country or be released from their home federations to the federation of the country hosting the FIM event. As such, since the rights and privileges of the Russian and Belarusian federations have been suspended by the FIM, neither federation can provide a start permission or provide a release from Russian or Belarusian federations.

The actions taken by the FIM have the effect of prohibiting riders from Russia and Belarus from riding in other countries. However, the actions taken by FIM North America and their associated federations act an additional barrier ensuring that the FIM’s recommendation is followed. The FIM’s sanctions are suspensions, not permanent, and as such, subject to change by the FIM.