35 countries call for the removal of Russia and Belarus from the Olympics
Sports ministers from 35 countries around the world opposed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics during a video conference. Previously, the International Olympic Committee had raised the possibility of these countries’ athletes returning to the competitions.
In response to the request from Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to federations, unions, and global organizations of various sports disciplines regarding the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions under a neutral flag, now the sports ministers of 35 countries have expressed their opposition to this stance.
Considering Thomas Bach’s stance, it is believed that the IOC seeks to issue a permit for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics under specific conditions and under the neutral flag of the International Olympic Committee.
