Russia-Ukraine conflict: football, rugby, Formula 1, basketball, esports...the world of sport reacts

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a "military operation" in Ukraine on Thursday 24/02/2022, around 04:00. Ukraine denounced "a full-scale invasion."

We look at reactions from the world of sport below.

Ukrainian Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko sends a message of support for his country

• "Ukraine is my motherland! I have always been proud of my people and my country! We have gone through many difficult times, and over the past 30 years we have formed as a nation!A nation of sincere, hardworking and freedom-loving citizens! This is our most important asset! Today is a difficult time for all of us. But we must unite! In unity we will win!" wrote former Ukrainian international and head coach of the national team Andriy Shevchenko, winner of the 2004 Ballon d'Or, on Twitter on 23/02/2022, the eve of the Russian military offensive.

Football: the Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic "express their firm position that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar 22^nd World Cup, held in Qatar in November and December (final…