The head of the IOC at the G20 commented on the removal of Russian athletes from the competition due to the conflict in Ukraine:
"Unlike other conflicts between countries in the past, this time some countries have decided that they have the right to refuse athletes to participate in the Olympics for political reasons. If sport becomes a tool for political influence, it will completely fall apart"
"It is necessary that all countries take part in the Olympic Games, including - and even in particular - conflicting countries. If only allied countries participate, the Olympic Games will not turn out to be a real symbol of peace. Humanity does not have so many opportunities to unite"
RIA Novosti (@rian_ru)
"Unlike other conflicts between countries in the past, this time some countries have decided that they have the right to refuse athletes to participate in the Olympics for political reasons. If sport becomes a tool for political influence, it will completely fall apart"
"It is necessary that all countries take part in the Olympic Games, including - and even in particular - conflicting countries. If only allied countries participate, the Olympic Games will not turn out to be a real symbol of peace. Humanity does not have so many opportunities to unite"
RIA Novosti (@rian_ru)