It is true that children should not be held responsible for the sins of their father's but only in an ideal world are children "innocent" and doubtless many U17s in Russia have swallowed Putin's propaganda. I am sure that there are members in both the U17 and adult teams who support Putin just as there are those that do not so what is the difference? Why allow the U17s to play but not the others?

Sanctions against any country will impact on those not complicit with the ideals and actions of the regime's leadership but surely that is part of the point of such sanctions, to encourage the population of such countries to question the actions of their leadership?

I know some may argue that Sports or other cultural events should be totally a-political but is it really morally right that the individuals involved are then not allowed to speak up against injustices and pretend to be neutral? Sports people, like musicians and other artists (or businesses come to that) should surely also be allowed a conscience and only if they are able to speak up will there be a possibility of change. The Beatles, for example, would have been wrong to play segregated audiences on their US tour but whilst they didn't refuse to play the South they did insist on non segregation. There is a big difference between those who take the money and perform in countries with oppressive regimes that refuse to criticise and act "neutral" and those that perform and voice their concerns to support the victims of such regimes. Paul Simon was criticised for touring South Africa during apartheid but he purposely collaborated with Black South African artists like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela and played to Black audiences. Ultimately, it was surely better that he did tour there to use his influence and "star power" to show support for Black South African artists and try and effect change than not to have gone?

Jessie Owens famously let his performance on the track speak for itself during the 1936 Olympics to refute the Nazis racial stereotyping so allowing international sporting-or other events-to continue and involve unsavoury regimes can make a difference, but I would say that they should only go ahead if those participating are allowed to reasonably voice their criticisms. The moot point, of course, is defining what is "reasonable" and the balance between showing respect for other countries whilst still being able to criticise certain behaviours or actions is the tricky bit.

As for Russia, for as long as Putin is engaged in his invasion of Ukraine I personally think that Sanctions should continue and that includes sporting events.