The IOC recommended that those Russian athletes who do not support the war be allowed to compete
Admission of athletes should take into account their public statements, participation in rallies, etc.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to participate in international competitions, provided they do not support the war in Ukraine.
The head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, said this at a press conference, a statement published on the organization's website.
According to him, athletes from Russia and Belarus should be able to compete under a neutral flag. The only exception is those athletes who have a valid contract with the Russian or Belarusian army or state security agencies. The admission of athletes should take into account their public statements, participation in rallies and demonstration of symbols in support of the war, Bach said.
However, athletes competing in team sports will not be able to take part in competitions even under a neutral flag, he said.
In its statement, the IOC emphasized that no final decision has been made on the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The organization suggested that the decision should be made by the sports federations. To do this, they were recommended to create separate commissions to admit Russian athletes to competitions.
Earlier, Bach said that the IOC opposes the "total isolation" of Russian athletes, despite pressure from Ukraine and other countries. Athletes from Russia continue to participate in international competitions in some sports (tennis, table tennis, cycling) and this has never led to political conflicts, Bach said.
In January, the IOC said that it did not rule out the possibility of Russian athletes under a neutral flag participating in some international competitions this summer. This position of the organization drew criticism from all sides. Russia called the IOC's position politically biased. At the same time, representatives of 30 countries spoke out against allowing Russians to compete.
Background. Earlier it was reported that the IOC President insists on the inclusion of Russian athletes in the 2024 Olympic Games.
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