Reintegration of Russian athletes is approaching
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) outlined a concept for reintegration on Wednesday, which, according to the Rings Organization, has broad support from IOC members, athletes’ representatives, international sports federations and national Olympic committees.
Possible return for Russia’s athletes
“No athlete should be prevented from participating in competitions solely because of their passport,” the IOC said after a meeting of its executive. The “overwhelming majority” of the participants in consultation meetings in the past week have therefore spoken out in favor of admission under “strict conditions”.
This included starting as neutral athletes and a “clear commitment” to the Olympic Charter. Accordingly, “only those who have not violated the IOC’s peacekeeping mission by actively supporting the war in Ukraine” are allowed to participate.
Strict conditions
The flag, anthem, colors or other distinctive signs of Russia or Belarus should remain banned, and no invitation or accreditation should be given to government or state officials of either country.
The majority of the participants in the consultations had “urged” the IOC to continue the study of the concept, “with each international association having sole responsibility for its international competitions”. Asia’s umbrella organization offered in December to let Russian and Belarusian activists start.
In December, in an exchange with IOC President Thomas Bach and on Tuesday in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the exclusion of Russian athletes from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In its statement on Wednesday, the IOC specifically referred to support for Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, just three days after the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, also violating the Olympic truce that will last until after the Paralympic Games. The IOC then recommended that the international federations exclude the athletes from Russia and Belarus. International sporting events should also be withdrawn from both countries. (AFP)
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