Poland opposes the return of Russians and Belarusians to international competitions
Sports Minister Poland Kamil Bortnichuk stated that he opposes the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the 2024 Olympic Games. According to him, Poland can put forward an ultimatum to the IOC if such a decision is made.
“I can’t imagine such a scenario. Poland and the UK are at the forefront of efforts to build an international coalition against the participation of Russia and Belarus in the Olympics next year.”
“Poland and other countries may issue an ultimatum to the IOC. This will depend on whether it will be possible to create an effective coalition of countries, without which the Olympic Games could not have taken place, ”said Bortnichuk.
Recall that the IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. At the same time, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.
The Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept an initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions.
The OCA is developing a special system that will allow Russians to qualify for the Olympics through Asian competitions. It is also planned to award Asian athletes with separate medals if representatives of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus win the event.
The NOC of Ukraine will hold an online conference on February 3. During the meeting, the issue of a possible boycott by Ukraine of the 2024 Olympic Games will be discussed, to which representatives of the Russian Federation and Belarus under a neutral flag may be admitted.
Source: Sportarena
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