The IOC wants to allow representatives of the aggressor countries to compete in a neutral status
The governments of 34 countries applied to International Olympic Committee (IOC) to clarify the definition “neutrality” in relation to athletes from Russia and Belarus in case of their return to international competitions, including the 2024 Olympics.
Among the countries that signed the official letter were the US, UK, France, Canada and Germany. The statement was also signed by Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark, which are considering the possibility of a boycott of the Olympics if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted.
“Until these fundamental questions and the significant lack of clarity and specificity in detail about how the “neutrality” model will work are resolved, we do not agree that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete,” the statement said.
The appeal to the IOC was the result of an online meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and government leaders from more than 30 countries. During this meeting, Zelensky called for not allowing representatives of terrorist states to the Games in any status.
The IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. In this case, 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 IOC believes that a complete ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes is discrimination and is contrary to the Olympic Charter. The organizers of the 2024 Olympics in Paris said they would adhere to the decision of the IOC to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.
The NOC of Ukraine voted for a possible boycott of the 2024 Olympics if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted to the Games. Also, the Verkhovna Rada appealed to the parliaments of the countries of the world with a request to prohibit the participation of representatives of the aggressor countries in international competitions.
Source: Sportarena
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