Olympic sport defends that nationality cannot punish Russian and Belarusian athletes

The “overwhelming majority” of those in charge of Olympic sport argue that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be banned from international competition simply because of their nationality, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Wednesday.

“No athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport,” was the conclusion of the IOC consultations with various figures in world sports following the “unanimous conclusions” of the Olympic Summit on December 9, which brought together the leaders of all organizations related to with the Olympic Movement and the International Paralympic Committee.

This summit was followed by consultations with IOC members, the global network of athlete representatives, international federations of various sports and national Olympic committees at meetings that took place from 17 to 19 January and the conclusions of which were analyzed today. IOC Advisory Board

“Therefore, the possibility of athletes participating in competitions under strict conditions should be further explored,” argued most of the elements heard.

In this case, “hard conditions” include, among other things, that the participants compete as “neutral”, that they “fully comply” with the principles of the Olympic Charter (they could not oppose the peaceful “mission” of the IOC by actively supporting the war in Ukraine) and “fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Code.

It was clear “the right of all athletes to be treated without discrimination of any kind” under the Olympic Charter, as well as the fact that governments cannot “decide which athletes may or may not compete in any competition”.

On another issue, it was “unanimously strengthen the already existing sanctions” against Russia and Belarus, which are still deprived of the opportunity to hold international events, as well as to have their own flag, anthem or any other identification at the competitions, and are also deprived of the opportunity to invite sports leaders. …or the rulers of these peoples.

“Unanimity” was identical to the support of the Ukrainian Olympic community, namely “to continue and strengthen the full and unwavering commitment of solidarity” with Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian Olympic community so that it can have a “strong team” in Paris 2024 and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

International federations and national Olympic committees called for “make every possible effort” to facilitate the education, training and participation of all Ukrainian athletes in international competitions.

RBA // AJO

Lusa/The End