IOC head Bach: failure to comply with Ukraine’s demands does not mean support for the conflict
President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach spoke about the fulfillment of Ukraine’s requirements for the participation of Russians in competitions. His words are quoted by Zeit.
“We cannot be considered a supporter of continuing hostilities simply because we do not comply with all of Ukraine’s demands. Moreover, from the very beginning we fully and completely supported Ukrainian athletes,” said the head of the IOC. Bach considered the decision to admit Russians to the 2024 Olympic Games as a golden mean and noted that Ukraine should not punish its athletes and boycott the tournament.
On December 8, the IOC announced the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympics in Paris. Bach stressed that athletes cannot be punished for the actions of their governments.
Six Russians and five Belarusians have currently qualified for the Games. They will be able to take part in the tournament as individual neutral athletes. At the same time, athletes who support a special operation in Ukraine and have connections with the armed forces or security agencies of Russia and Belarus will not get to Paris. Representatives of team sports will also miss the tournament.
Source: Lenta
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