The National Olympic Committee reacted harshly to the initiative to return the athletes from the aggressor countries.
Ukraine is categorically opposed to the entry of Russian and Belarusian athletes into the competitions. And if athletes from aggressor countries are allowed to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris, domestic athletes may boycott the tournament. This was announced by NOC President Vadim Gutzeit.
“As part of the consultations organized by the IOC, unfortunately, the issue of the admission of Russians and Belarusians was raised by the majority of the IOC. Ukraine and some partner states that took the floor opposed it to the end of the Russian invasion. For the entire Ukrainian sports community, this is a matter of principle! Here we are supported by the President of our state and the whole society.
Some international federations were angered by the IOC’s attempt to promote the return of the Russians and Belarusians. Their leaders ignored the invitation to the Olympic summit and declared their position in the relevant IOC consultations. Such a situation is unacceptable for our state. We have appealed and continue to appeal to all international organizations that can influence the situation and whose opinion the IOC members can listen to. Our position does not change: while the war is going on in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be in international competitions!
Currently, work is underway on additional possible measures and priority measures to extend sanctions and prevent Russians and Belarusians from participating in international competitions. If we are not heard, I do not exclude the possibility that we will boycott and refuse to participate in the Olympics,” Gutzeit wrote on Facebook.
Earlier, Ukraine’s NOC reported how many sports facilities were destroyed by the invaders.
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Source: korrespondent
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