Criticism of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to sports competitions
Despite severe criticism, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to reintegrate Russian and Belarusian athletes into the world of sports. However, it is still unclear whether these conditions will apply to the Olympic Games.
In a meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Olympic Executive Committee decided to allow international federations to let athletes who were previously banned from competitions participate under specific conditions.
Thirteen months ago, right at the start of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, most professional sports unions, based on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee, decided to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions.
In addition to adhering to anti-doping regulations, the new conditions set by the International Olympic Committee for athletes to participate in global competitions include declaring neutrality and proving non-involvement in supporting the war.