The International Judo Federation [IFJ] has suspended Russian president Vladimir Putin amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, they said: "In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin ’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation."
Putin, 69, has long been associated with the sport and regularly attends IJF events - including the 2017 World Championships in Budapest and last year's event in Baku.
He also watched the judo events alongside current president Marius Vizer during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
That same year, he became the first Russian to be awarded the 8th dan by the IJF.
Alongside the statement, Vizer further clarified the decision by saying Russia's decision to invade Ukraine contradicted the values of the sport.
He said as cited by Sports Central: "We are saddened by the current international situation, the result of inefficient dialogue at international level. "We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, to support each other and our universal values, in order to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity. "The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be solved in the last moment, to re-establish normality and stability in Eastern Europe and the world, to once again be able to focus on the diverse cultures, history and legacy of Europe, in the most positive way.
The news follows the federation confirming the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia, originally scheduled to start on May 20, had been cancelled.
Indeed, a number of sporting sanctions have been placed on Russia since President Putin's decision to declare war on his nation's neighbours.
UEFA have taken the decision to move the 2022 Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris, while Poland have announced they will boycott their World Cup qualifier against Russia a decision publicly endorsed by national team captain Robert Lewandowski.
All Russian club teams have been ordered to move home European ties away from the region to neutral venues.
FIA chiefs have also axed the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, initially set for this September, from the 2022 calendar - while the Haas team has cut ties with Russian sponsors.
In boxing, the WBO have confirmed they are considering proposals to remove all Russian boxers from the world rankings.
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