IOC Asked For Clarity On ‘Neutrality’ for Russian and Belarusian Athletes
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By Ava Tremblay
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Summary
- Canada along with 33 other nations sends letter to IOC
- IOC asked to clarify definition of ‘neutrality’ with regards to Russian and Belarusian athletes
- IOC continues to back decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in 2024 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics has continued to receive strong criticism from a number of countries around the world.
Russia’s invasion and war on Ukraine has now officially crossed the one year mark and based on recent remarks from Russian President Vladimir Putin, they are not going to back down but only increase the intensity of their attack.
Pressure Mounts To Ban Russian and Belarusian Athletes
This has prompted a coalition of countries to put pressure on the IOC to revoke their decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Olympics. The IOC had previously stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics as neutral athletes and could not display a Russian or Belarusian flag or wear their national uniforms.
Canada along with 33 other nations including Germany, France, United States and the United Kingdom have sent a letter to the IOC and asked for clarification on the definition of ‘neutrality’.
The letter was very straightforward informing the IOC that unless clear information is provided on the neutrality workable model and fundamental issues are not addressed, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be allowed to compete in international sport and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also hit out at the IOC stating that Russian and Belarusian athletes should have not have the opportunity to take part in the 2024 Olympics or international sport as long as Russia continues with its invasion of Ukraine.
IOC Continues To Stand By Its Decision
The IOC has continued to stand by its decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international sport and the Olympics, claiming that a ban would violate the Olympic charter.
A number of Baltic countries including Denmark, Poland and Lithuania have threatened to boycott the 2024 Olympics, if the IOC does not reverse its decision. The IOC will have to make a clear statement soon as trials and qualifications for the 2024 Olympics will commence shortly.
