Gutzeit: We are considering the return of our athletes to the qualification of the competition if there are no representatives of Russia and Belarus

Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Vadim Gutzeit said that Ukraine may refuse to boycott sports competitions, in which athletes of the aggressor country and the accomplice of terrorism, announced in the spring of 2023, take part. This cancellation may also apply to the 2024 Olympics.

According to the minister, negotiations are underway with all-Ukrainian federations and athletes. The reason for the boycott cancellation, according to him, may be the official non-invitation of Russia and Belarus to the Olympic Games in Paris.

“Of course, we need to participate now in all qualifying competitions. If Russia and Belarus are not officially invited to the 2024 Olympic Games, we are now considering the issue of returning our athletes to qualifying competitions,” Gutzeit said.

Earlier, Gutzeit had already commented on the situation regarding the possible participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Recall, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to boycott the qualifying tournaments for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already reacted to the decision of the Government of Ukraine to boycott the qualifying tournaments for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Earlier, the IOC Executive Board recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions in a neutral status. At the same time, teams from Russia and Belarus, as well as athletes who support the war or have a contract with the armies of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, are not allowed to participate in the tournaments.