The IOC recommended that national committees refuse to participate in the Friendship Games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that National Olympic Committees (NOCs) ignore the Friendship Games in Russia. Inside the Games reports NOC Relations Director James McLeod.
“Given the increasing politicization of world sport, we ask all NOCs to exercise caution in relation to this initiative,” McLeod said. According to him, participation in the World Friendship Games contradicts both the sanctions against Russia introduced in February 2022 and the goal of the Olympic movement to preserve the independence and autonomy of sports.
On October 19, the tournament was decided to be held by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was noted that this decision was made in order to ensure guaranteed free access for Russian athletes and sports organizations to international sports activities. The tournament is expected to be held in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from September 15 to 29, 2024.
On March 28, the IOC recommended that Belarusians and Russians who did not support the special operation in Ukraine be allowed to compete in 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 excluded from participation in competitions.
Source: Lenta
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