Russian Federation athletes at the Games: IOC may make decision from July
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide on the possible participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in the Paris 2024 Games only after the official invitation ceremony for international athletes in July. The announcement was made this Thursday, March 30, by the agency dpa.
IOC chief Tomas Bach, meanwhile, said certainty about admitting Russians and Belarusians would likely come after the summer because the issue was “very complicated”.
IOC conditions could have implications for Isinbayeva
On Tuesday, March 28, the Executive Committee of the IOC recommended that federations lift the protection measures that prohibit the participation of Belarusian and Russian athletes in international competitions.
Access can only be granted if a number of conditions are met. Among them – a performance in a neutral state (without a flag and anthem) and only in individual competitions. In addition, these athletes must not have ties with the Russian or Belarusian army, with the power structures and security agencies of these countries.
Meanwhile, many top Russian athletes play for CSKA, Dynamo and are officers of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the National Guard. They account for a significant number of medals won by Russians in major competitions in recent years.
Such a condition could have consequences for IOC member Yelena Isinbayeva, writes the SID agency. The two-time Olympic champion in pole vaulting and a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin was called up by contract for military service in the Railway Troops of the Russian Federation in 2003, she was awarded the rank of major.
IOC chief Bach announced on March 30 that an ethics commission chaired by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon would look into the matter. The commission will assess how “strict recommendations and conditions for the participation of athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports” might affect “IOC members in Russia”, Bach said.
Criteria for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in major tournaments
DW previously studied the criteria for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in major tournaments, presented in the form of recommendations by the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne. Recommendations do not apply to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Decisions on the matter will be taken, according to IOC chief Thomas Bach, at the “appropriate time” – only after “long monitoring of the implementation of the recommendations”. However, the position of the IOC causes a storm of indignation in the world of sports and politics. Many eminent athletes and politicians demand that Russians and Belarusians not participate in the 2024 Olympics.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games is scheduled for July 26, 2024.
Source: DW
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