IOC member McLeod says Ukraine has gone too far in banning tournaments with Russia
Director of the Department of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for relations with the National Olympic Committees (NOC) James McLeod reproached Ukraine for the ban on competing with Russians and Belarusians. His words are quoted by Inside the Games.
“They have gone too far because athletes should be at the center of all our discussions and we don’t believe government decisions should have an impact,” McLeod said. The IOC member called the current state of affairs unfavorable and considered that the IOC Executive Board would have to discuss the issue of resolving the conflict again.
On April 14, the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine banned Ukrainian athletes from competing with Russians and Belarusians. According to the provisions of the order, federations that violate this rule will be deprived of their national status.
On March 28, the IOC recommended that Russians who did not support the special operation in Ukraine be allowed to compete in a neutral status. At the same time, athletes from Russia and Belarus associated with the armed forces or security agencies of their countries are recommended to be suspended from participating in tournaments.
Source: Lenta
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