The International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not agree with the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin that the organization’s recommendations on the admission of Russians to the Olympic Games constitute ethnic discrimination. About it reports TASS with reference to the IOC press service.
The committee noted that participation in the games is “in no way a human right.” They emphasized that restrictions on the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions in a neutral status comply with the Olympic Charter.
“They are a reaction to the violation of the Olympic Charter by the governments of Russia and Belarus. We strongly reject the accusations that these measures constitute ethnic discrimination,” the press service added.
On October 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the XI International Sports Forum “Russia is a Sports Power,” said that the IOC considers an invitation to the Olympic Games “a certain privilege” that can be earned by “political gestures.” According to him, competitions are used “as a tool of political pressure,” and restrictions on athletes are “racist, ethnic discrimination.”
The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11. The decision on the admission of Russian athletes has still not been made.
After the start of the special operation, the IOC recommended not allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, but on March 28, 2023. announced on easing measures. Athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus will be able to participate in international competitions under a neutral flag. Restrictions remain for athletes who compete in team sports, as well as those who support the official position of the Russian and Belarusian authorities on Ukraine.
