Opposite for the Olympic Games – Russia provokes IOC with cynical attempt Lugano cannot respond at home either – ZSC power play breaks Biel’s neck

The very name of the events can be interpreted as a provocation. “World-friendly competitions” are what they plan to do in Russia in the fall and in two years – especially in times of belligerence in Ukraine, among others.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a clear stance against the plans and called on member associations not to participate in such events. “It is a cynical attempt by the Russian Federation to politicize the sport. “The IOC Athletes Commission, which represents all Olympic athletes in the world, clearly rejects the use of athletes for political propaganda,” the IOC said.

The IOC said it was a blatant breach of the Olympic Charter, a breach of respective UN resolutions and amounted to disrespect for the athletes and the integrity of sporting competitions. Russia also shows “complete disrespect for global anti-doping standards and the integrity of competitions.”

The IOC recalled the doping scandal during the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. “The IOC urges all participants in the Olympic movement and all governments to reject any involvement and support for initiatives that aim to completely politicize international sport.”

Russia is apparently planning “World Friendship Games” in Moscow and Yekaterinburg next September and in Sochi the following winter. A commercial in Russia talks about a new world sporting event for people from all corners of the planet and about ‘significant prize money’. It should be the answer to international sanctions in sports.

At the Paris Olympics, athletes from Russia and Belarus are not allowed to compete under their own flag, their national anthems are not played and national symbols are banned in the competitions. Teams are not allowed to participate at all. (nih/sda/dpa)