A shocking idea from the IOC. They found a way to let the Russians into the Games

Shortly after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the IOC called for world federations not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete. Almost a year later, the same IOC recognizes that there should be no discrimination on the basis of nationality and wants Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag at the Paris Games. The appeal met with widespread criticism, with more than 30 countries opposing it.

The IOC came up with another idea to help the Russians

The IOC is still considering how Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in Paris. One of the latest ideas is for them to fight under a neutral flag in competitions in Asia, which would allow them to qualify, writes the “Inside the Games” portal. This idea, of course, met with huge criticism from many countries that are against the participation of Russians and Belarusians in the competition.

Qualifications for the Olympics in Paris will start on April 3 this year and will last a year. Games passes will be awarded based on ranking points earned in designated events.

Meanwhile, members of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) are to vote on whether Russian and Belarusian fencers should be allowed to return to international competition. The FIE revealed that the controversial topic will be discussed during an extraordinary congress on March 10. The meeting will be held online and participants will be asked if they are in favor of returning athletes and activists from Russia and Belarus to the competition. The vote on their participation was originally supposed to take place at the FIE Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland last November, but was postponed to March this year.

The Olympic Games in Paris are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The capital of France will host the Games for the third time. Previously, it organized the Olympics in 1900 and 1924.