Portugal is among a group of more than 30 countries supporting the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from participation in international sports competitions, the British Ministry of Culture said in a statement.
The position signed from the Portuguese side by Secretary of State for Youth and Sports João Paulo Correia shows “constant support for the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions while the war in Ukraine continues.” , in a strong new international position on the way to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The statement on this matter comes from a meeting held in the UK on February 10, which was attended by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who noted the destruction of the sports infrastructure in his country and the loss of many athletes due to the invasion, Russian.
The statement also notes that sport and politics are “closely linked” in Russia and Belarus, indicating “great concern about the extent to which it is possible for Olympic athletes from these countries to compete as ‘neutrals’ when they are directly funded and supported by their respective states. “, marking an exception in professional tennis.
“Until these fundamental issues are resolved, as well as the lack of significant clarity and specific details regarding the functional neutrality model, we do not agree that Russians and Belarusians can return to competition. Noting the position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that no final decision has been made, we ask this body to respond to the questions posed by these countries.
This stance responds to “concerns” that “a way should be explored to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete, including in Paris 2024”, noting that the situation in Ukraine “continues to deteriorate” since these athletes were suspended, so there is no reason to change the measure.
In addition to Portugal, this position is signed by France, which will host the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as Greece, Japan, which will host Tokyo 2020, as well as Italy and sports “powers” such as the USA, Canada. , Germany and the UK.
The Russian military offensive into Ukraine, launched on February 24 last year, plunged Europe into the most serious security crisis since World War II (1939-1945).