IOC position has been criticised by the UK government, which says the Paris 2024 Games will be used to ‘legitimise war’
Plans to allow Russian athletes to compete at next year’s Olympics, in defiance of a direct plea from Volodymyr Zelensky, have been strongly condemned by the Government.
Michelle Donelan, the Culture Secretary, has accused the International Olympic Committee of helping Vladimir Putin “legitimise his illegal war in Ukraine” by ending its opposition to Russians and Belarussians participating in international sporting events.
It followed an announcement by the IOC that it would explore ways for athletes from countries involved in the invasion to compete as neutrals at Paris 2024. That announcement came hours after the West agreed to provide tanks to Ukraine.
Donelan said: “In light of the ongoing indiscriminate and barbaric attacks by Russia on Ukraine, over the past 24 hours the United States and Germany have announced they will be providing a significant number of battle tanks.
“However, at this critical time, the International Olympic Committee is now looking at a pathway for Russia and Belarus to be represented in Paris.
“I want to be clear that this position from the IOC is a world away from the reality of war being felt by the Ukrainian people – and IOC President Bach’s own words less than a year ago where he strongly condemned Russia for breaking the Olympic Truce and urged it to ‘give peace a chance’.
“We will strongly condemn any action taken that allows President Putin to legitimise his illegal war in Ukraine – a position the IOC previously shared.
“We, and many other countries, have been unequivocal on this throughout, and we will now work urgently across like-minded countries to ensure that solidarity continues on this issue.”
Last month Zelensky pleaded directly with IOC counterpart Thomas Bach, urging him to pivot toward “complete isolation” of Russian athletes ahead of next year’s Olympics. On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Sports Minister Vadym Guttsait also warned the IOC that Russian athletes were actively involved in the war against his country.
READ ON BELOW…
Olympics ignores Zelensky’s plea to ban Russian athletes
Olympics ignores Zelensky’s plea to ban Russian athletes
Posted by