Belarus regime ‘has used football as propaganda’

Report accuses strongman Alexander Lukashenko of interfering in running of sport

The regime of the Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko has systematically interfered in the running of the country's football federation and used the sport as a pro-government propaganda" instrument, a report has claimed.

The report, which is based on testimony by senior referees and professional footballers, was produced by the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation (BSSF), an organisation that supports players, coaches, and other professionals in sport facing pressure for speaking out against Lukashenko, the longtime president.