Russia stripped of right to host bobsleigh World championships

Moscow, Dec 14: The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has decided to move the 2017 world championships in bobsleigh and skeleton to another location, the press service of the federation has said.

The tournament was set to be held in February next year.

"The IBSF Executive Committee felt that during this difficult time it is prudent not to organise such an event in Russia," it said on Tuesday.

"This decision was made for two primary reasons," the press release said: "First: to allow athletes and coaches from all Nations to participate in a competition that focuses on sport rather than accusations and discussions - whether justified or not."

"Second: The Russian Bobsleigh Federation has put a great effort in the preparation of the World Championships, but the current climate would make it nearly impossible to appreciate the efforts of the Organising Committee to host a great event or the quality of the Sanki Sliding Centre as one of the best tracks in the World," the statement said.

"Having stated that, the IBSF asks all Members and athletes for Fair Play and Respect, which also includes the assumption of innocence for any athlete, regardless of national affiliation, until proven guilty," the IBSF said.