(ATR) A Belarusian football player says no to playing for his country under Europe’s so-called last dictator.
Ilya Shkurin, now playing in the Russian Premier League for CSKA Moscow, was the top scorer in the 2018-19 season of the Belarusian Premier League and was selected as part of Belarus’ squad for the UEFA Nations League.
He took to Instagram announcing he would not represent Belarus as long as strong-man leader Alexander Lukashenko remained in office. "I refuse to represent the interests of the national team as long as the Lukashenko regime is in effect," Shkurin wrote.
Lukashenko, also president of the country’s Olympic committee, is considered Europe’s last dictator. He won re-election on August 9 with 80 percent of the vote--results that have been largely disputed. Protests immediately swept Belarus which has been under Lukashenko’s thumb for 26 years.
The Belarus Football Federation issued a statement on Monday saying: "Sports and football in particular have always been and should remain a peaceful arena, neutral in political, religious, ethnic, racial and any other issues.
"We are satisfied and assured that, whereas staying within the authorized subject, everybody ought to observe the legal guidelines and ethical norms," the statement reportedly continued without naming Shkurin. "Protect one another, preserve a human relationship with one another.
"The BFF opposes the manifestation of any type of violence and discrimination for political and different causes. We urge everybody, no matter their political beliefs, to adjust to the norms established by law.
"All issues should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means."
Lukashenko was quoted by foreign reporters telling angry Belarusians on Monday: "We held elections. Until you kill me, there will be no other elections."
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