IOC recommends end of ban on Russian sporting events

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Despite heavy criticism, the International Olympic Committee is opening the door for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to world sport. The IOC director decided to allow the world federations the participation of previously banned athletes under certain conditions. 13 months ago, right after the start of the offensive war against Ukraine, most professional associations followed an IOC recommendation to exclude the athletes.

IOC requirements include strict neutrality, compliance with the anti-doping code and proof of not actively supporting the war. Athletes from Russia and Belarus belonging to the military are excluded, as are teams from the two countries. A decision on participation in the 2024 Olympic Games and the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026 in Paris will be made “in due course”.

“We cannot offer a solution that will satisfy everyone,” chairman Thomas Bach said at the start of the Exko meeting. The IOC has been criticized for the plans by governments and athletes, especially in the Western world, but insists on the sport’s autonomy and refers to UN guidelines and Olympic charters on discrimination.

Bach claimed on Tuesday that the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in sports such as tennis, ice hockey or cycling works. “There were no safety incidents in any of these competitions,” Bach said. However, lately, especially in women’s tennis, clashes between the neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus and their opponents from Ukraine have increased. (AFP)

Source : Blick