ANOC supported the IOC position on athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus
The Executive Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) supported the position of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions on neutral status. The ANOC Executive Committee will continue to work in the interest of the unity of the Olympic Movement and the athletes, says the association in a statement released this Friday, March 31.
At the same time, the ANOC executive committee expressed concern about the statements of some states regarding the restriction of athletes’ access to international competitions involving athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport. “Any call by the government for a boycott represents a direct interference in the autonomy of sport and a clear politicization of sport”, highlighted the ANOC. Such a move will only contribute to “isolate the National Olympic Committees from the world sports community and will directly affect athletes’ dreams and aspirations”, the association said.
Currently, there are more than 70 wars, armed conflicts or crises in the world, but the National Olympic Committees affected by these conflicts and crises “respect the Olympic values and allow their athletes to compete without restrictions”, added the ANOC.
IOC Recommendations on the admission of Russians and Belarusians to competitions
On March 28, the IOC Executive Board 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.
The IOC’s position caused a wave of outrage in the world of sports and politics. Many eminent athletes and politicians have made calls to remove Russians and Belarusians from participating in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Ukraine will boycott competitions with the participation of Russians and Belarusians.
Meanwhile, DW 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 IOC. The recommendations do not apply to the 2024 Olympics. according to the head of the IOC, Thomas Bach (Thomas Bach), decisions on this matter will be taken at the “appropriate time” – only after “long monitoring of the implementation of the recommendations.”
ANOC Composition
The Association of National Olympic Committees was founded in 1979. It now comprises over 200 National Olympic Committees recognized by the IOC. ANOC is divided into 5 continental associations – Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and America. Fijian Robin Mitchell has served as President of ANOC since 2022.
Source: DW
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