The Russian Judo Federation (FDR) also admitted that following the invasion of Ukraine it would be difficult for athletes to obtain entry to several countries.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has cancelled its events in Russia but, unlike most other world governing bodies, has not banned Russian athletes completely following the invasion of Ukraine.

The situation, however, has deteriorated to such an extent that it is almost impossible for Russians to travel outside the country.

"Under the current conditions, the national team's access to most countries where international competitions are held is significantly difficult," the FDR posted in a message on its website.

"In addition, the Russian Judo Federation has reason to fear for the safety of Russian athletes.

"The decision of the International Judo Federation and the European Judo Union (EJU), allowing Russian judokas to participate in starts under the symbols of the IJF, remains in force."

Judoka from Belarus have also revealed they will not take part in international competition.

The IJF responded to the news with a message on its own website.

"Following official communications received by the International Judo Federation, the Russian Judo Federation and the Belarussian Judo Federation have suspended their participation from all IJF and EJU international events," it said. 

"There will be no Russian or Belarussian athletes participating in IJF and EJU events, with immediate effect."

In a statement published two weeks ago, the IJF had said: "As sporting events and sport itself promote peace and solidarity worldwide, we consider that those athletes who participate in international sporting events are promoting peace and international solidarity.

"On this basis, the global decision to sanction all Russian athletes, regardless of the different opinions many have expressed, is not considered to be justified.

"Any radical decision to obstruct the participation of athletes in sporting competitions would only continue the escalation of violence and nurture the feeling of injustice for those athletes who did not participate in any decision regarding the conflict.

"We cannot condemn the athletes for what is happening.

"Therefore, in line with the Olympic Charter and its fundamental principles, as the IJF did in the past during other difficult conflicts between certain states and nations, we will provide the Russian athletes with the opportunity to participate in IJF events only under the IJF flag, logo and anthem.

"Therefore, we can continue to guide all judo athletes from Russia in an appropriate direction and keep them far from any possibility to choose a path against their moral principles, taking into consideration the combat profile of our sport as well as its values.

"We encourage Russian athletes to pursue a dialogue with their judoka friends worldwide, to travel and to promote, at home and away, the Olympic values and the judo principles of mutual aid and prosperity."

Among events Russian and Belarus competitors could miss unless the policy is reversed are the European Championships, due to take place in Sofia between April 28 and May 1, the World Championships, scheduled to be held in Tashkent from October 6, and upcoming Grand Slams in Antalya, Tbilisi, Ulaanbaatar, Budapest.

Among the sanctions applied by the IJF following the invasion of Ukraine was stripping Russian President Vladimir Putin of his role as the organisation's Honorary President.