Russian and Belarusian athletes allowed to participate in Paris 2024 as neutral individual athletes will not be able to participate in the opening ceremony, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Tuesday.
The organization guaranteed that they “will have the opportunity to see the event”, but they justified their decision by saying that they would compete in an “individual capacity” at a time reserved only for national teams: the party will take place on July 26 in Rio Seine, Paris .
The IOC’s position is consistent with that taken regarding the four elements from the former Yugoslavia during the 1992 Games in Barcelona, as well as outside the opening ceremony.
James McLeod, the IOC’s director of Olympic Solidarity, also said that the medalist will not mention “neutrals” at the ceremony on August 28 (a decision also in line with the International Paralympic Committee).
Russian and Belarusian athletes eligible to participate will receive a neutral flag with the acronym AIN on a green background, without the Olympic rings, as well as an anthem with original music, which will be presented by the IOC. dignity” without words and will only be performed in the event of a gold medal.
“Like all other athletes, AIN will be required to sign the conditions of participation applicable to Paris 2024, which contain a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including the peacekeeping mission of the Olympic Movement,” the IOC emphasized.
Of the approximately 6,000 athletes already selected, only 12 Russians and seven Belarusians qualify, with the organization predicting a “most likely scenario” of 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians.
According to the study, at the “maximum” there will be 55 Russians and 28 Belarusians, respectively, while in Tokyo 2020 there were 330 of the former and 104 of the latter.
Those who meet the requirements will be subject to scrutiny by a panel that will analyze their eligibility, especially in aspects related to the invasion of Ukraine.
This team will include IOC Vice President Nicole Hovertz from Aruba, Ethics Committee member Spaniard Pau Gasol and athletes South Korean Seung Min Ryu.
A decision on the closing ceremony, which traditionally involves athletes rather than delegations, subject to a less stringent protocol, “will be made later.”
Meanwhile, negotiations continue with Afghanistan over the Taliban regime, which has severely restricted sports for women, allowing “mixed representation” in Paris in 2024.
The Guatemalan Olympic Committee had his disqualification overturned due to political interference.
The IOC also left a message for national Olympic committees and athletes who will take part in the Friendship Games that Russia is organizing after Paris 2024, saying the executive committee would review events after the event: “caution with politicized Games” was advised.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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