According to the IOC, the decision of which athletes can participate in international competitions should be left to sports organizations and based solely on sporting merit.
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to a letter sent by Lucy Frazer, the UK’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, urging Olympic sponsors to support a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The IOC has called on the British government to respect the autonomy of sport, stating that it is not the government’s role to decide which athletes can participate in international competitions.
According to the IOC, the decision of which athletes can participate in international competitions should be left to sports organizations and based solely on sporting merit. The global governing body has emphasized that Olympic sponsors are not involved in this decision-making process. The IOC is currently engaging in consultations with all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement, including athlete representatives, the 206 National Olympic Committees, and the International Federations, as part of the democratic decision-making process.
Frazer’s letter was addressed to members of the IOC’s Olympic Partner programme, which includes several UK-based companies such as Airbnb, Alibaba, Allianz, Atos, Bridgestone, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Intel, Omega SA, Proctor and Gamble, Samsung, Toyota and Visa. The letter protested the IOC’s exploration of a pathway for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes, likely competing as neutrals, in time for Paris 2024.
In February, Lucy Frazer chaired an international summit that brought together over 35 nations to discuss the participation of Russia and Belarus in international sport. Following the summit, a group of 35 nations signed a unified statement requesting that the IOC define “neutrality” in order to enable Russia and Belarus to compete in the French capital. According to the organization, there is “significant lack of clarity and clear information on a workable “neutrality” concept.” They encouraged the IOC to take action.
Read more: British Culture Secretary urges IOC Sponsors to Take Stand Against Russia and Belarus
Last week, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) announced its decision to allow the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes at its event from the second half of April this year. The IOC has taken note of the FIE decision and reiterated that consultations with all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement are ongoing. The focus is on upcoming international competitions, for which the International Federations have sole authority.
The IOC has emphasized its commitment to clean and fair sport and its zero-tolerance approach to doping. The organization has also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of athletes and promoting a level playing field. However, the issue of Russian and Belarusian participation in international sport remains a contentious one, with many calling for tougher action and clearer guidelines on how “neutrality” is defined.
Russia has been banned from international sporting events for four years by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to a series of high-profile doping scandals. However, some Russian athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals. Belarus has also faced criticism over its treatment of athletes, with several protesting against the country’s government during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Read more: Russia to compete in Asian Chess Federation competitions
