Earlier it became known that the IOC Executive Committee recommended to allow those athletes from Russia and Belarus who do not support the war against Ukraine to participate in the Olympics. It is assumed that they will be able to perform under a neutral flag. This is just an IOC recommendation from a recent discussion and a formal decision will be made at a later date. However, it is emphasized that there was no talk of the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. This issue will also be discussed later.
The Insider sent a request to the IOC about what criteria will be taken into account if athletes from Russia and Belarus are still decided to be allowed to participate in the Olympics. The organization sent the following response:
“All relevant circumstances, in particular public statements, including those made on social media, participation in pro-war demonstrations or events, and the display of any symbol supporting the war in Ukraine, such as the Z symbol, must be taken into account.
In order to ensure a consistent interpretation of these criteria, International Sports Federations should consider establishing a single independent committee under the auspices of their associations (Association of Summer and Winter Olympic International Federations, Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations) to make decisions.”
The IOC made a proposal to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes at the end of January. It was about those who comply with anti-doping rules and do not support Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opposed it, saying that Russia's participation in the Paris Olympics would be "an act of violence."