An unprecedented situation has arisen at the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2026, Division 2 tournament in Malta: according to the tournament schedule, the national teams of Ukraine and Russia (the latter is playing under the name Neutral Athlete B) were to meet in the seventh place match today, April 13.
The President of the Water Polo Federation of Ukraine, Oleksandr Svishchov, who has repeatedly emphasized the inadmissibility of the presence of representatives of the aggressor country in the international arena, said that Ukrainian athletes would not take part in the match.
His position remains unwavering: the admission of so-called “neutral” athletes is a “cynical disregard for the memory of the victims of the war.” And this categorical position is supported by all Ukrainian water polo players and the team’s coaching staff.
Oleksandr Svishchov noted:
“Every time we are offered a ‘sporting rivalry’ with the Russians, I and our entire sports community remember the numerous victims and misfortunes that our people and state have suffered, the thousands of towns and villages destroyed, the wanderings of millions of our compatriots, the terrible grief inflicted on our country!” “Therefore, Ukraine will not play with those who destroy our lives and our future. Our only possible way is complete isolation of the aggressor until justice is restored,” he added.
Oleksandr Svishchov also added: “Sport is a struggle of characters, but not at the cost of betraying principles. For us, a technical defeat in the official protocol is a much more significant victory than going on the same water as representatives of the aggressor country. The dignity of the nation is higher than any tournament result.”
“We cannot shake hands with those whose country is trying to destroy ours every day. A moral defeat in front of our own people, our military and children is the only loss we really fear. Therefore, going to the match against the Russians is unacceptable for us. There can be no neutrality between the aggressor and the victim,” Svishchov is convinced.
He calls the decision of World Aquatics to allow Russians to compete in 2026 “immoral” and calls on the NOC of Ukraine and international institutions to strongly oppose the legalization of Russian sports under the white flag.
“Today, Ukrainian sport is also a frontline. We choose to remain loyal to our country, not to the rules that ignore the reality of war. Our position is unwavering: the aggressor has no place in civilized sport,” summarized Oleksandr Svishchov.
The Ukrainian side is currently awaiting the final decision of the organizers. The position of the Ukrainian PESF is clear: the principles of Olympism and humanity are higher than tournament points.
