The use of the letter Z by athletes and the corresponding posts on social networks will be considered active support for the special operation in Ukraine, and such athletes will be recommended not to be allowed to participate in international competitions, said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Speaking at a political forum in Essen, Germany, Bach stressed that he was against any proposal to treat Russian athletes as if they had “collective guilt.” At the same time, he allowed the ban on the letter Z, which, like the letter V, is applied to Russian equipment in the special operation zone in Ukraine. According to him, the principles of the IOC “clearly and clearly state” that any active support of the special operation is prohibited, “including wearing this letter Z, including posts and much more.”
The head of the IOC noted that expressing support for special operations in this way should not participate in competitions. At the same time, he clarified that the IOC can only recommend such an approach to the international federations, and they will make the decision.
At the same time, Bach said that the organization is responsible for respecting human rights and the Olympic Charter, and they do not allow such a total isolation of people because of their passport, as Ukraine requires in relation to Russia, Reuters reports. According to the head of the IOC, the committee “should not make the mistake of trying to become an arbiter in political disputes, because we will be crushed by political forces.”
Asked about Russian athletes who are members of the military or linked to the military, Bach said the IOC would work out “relevant guidelines” at its meeting on March 28 and urged them to wait.
Recall that at the end of January, the IOC announced that it was considering options for admitting Russian athletes to tournaments in a neutral status, provided that they do not actively support the special operation and do not violate the anti-doping code.
Source: Rosbalt
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