At a meeting of the IOC Executive Board in Lausanne, President Thomas Bach read out a statement recommending that sports federations allow atheletes to compete under a neutral flag. However, he said, this does not apply to the Paris Olympics. sport

The International Olympic Committee has recommended that world federations readmit Russian athletes to their competitions. However, it said this did not affect the Summer Olympics, which will be held in Paris next year. Most sports federations had initially followed the previous IOC recommendation to exclude the athletes.

Restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus

At a meeting of the IOC Executive Board in Lausanne, President Thomas Bach read a statement recommending that federations allow athletes to compete under neutral flags.

“First, athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport may only compete as neutral individuals. Second, teams with athletes who have Russian or Belarusian nationality cannot be considered. Third, athletes who actively supported the war cannot participate.” This also applies to support staff, Bach said Tuesday.

Nancy Faeser: “Slap in the face “

After massive protests against the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, reactions to Bach’s statement followed on the heels. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk wrote on Twitter of a “day of shame,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of a “slap in the face. “

The decision by the IOC is a slap in the face of all Ukrainian athletes. I would have liked the Russian and Belarusian athletes to remain excluded. There is no reason whatsoever for Russia to return to world sports.

– Nancy Faeser (@NancyFaeser) March 28, 2023