Head of the NOC Gutzeit: Ukraine refused IOC money because of the admission of Russians
President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC) Vadim Gutzeit announced his refusal of money from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) solidarity fund. His words are quoted by ua.tribuna.com.
Gutzeit said that Ukraine received funds while Russian athletes were suspended from competition, but after they were admitted, the country considered it wrong to take money from the fund. “It’s going to be kind of wild. It will be a matter of bidding. And everyone supported me,” he emphasized.
In December 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin assessed the IOC’s decision to admit Russians to the 2024 Olympic Games. In his opinion, if these are politically motivated artificial conditions aimed at cutting off Russian medal contenders, then the Ministry of Sports and the Russian Olympic Committee must make an informed decision.
On December 8, the IOC announced the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Games in Paris. 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, as well as those who have connections with the armed forces or security agencies of Russia and Belarus, will not be allowed to participate in the competition.
Source: Lenta
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