Tuesday, March 1, 2022 – 12:25 WIB
VIVA – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) urges all federations and sports organizers to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from all international events after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The IOC also revoked the Olympic Order, which is its highest honor, from all high-ranking Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.
The IOC said its executive board “recommends that international sports federations and sporting event organizers do not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”
If this is not possible for “organizational or legal reasons”, then the IOC asks sports officials to take all possible steps to prevent athletes from both countries from taking part on behalf of Russia or Belarus.
This is a matter of great urgency in light of the Winter Paralympics which start this Friday in Beijing.
Russia’s participation in next month’s World Cup playoffs is also in doubt after FIFA’s plan to allow them to play in neutral territory was deemed “unacceptable” by potential opponents of Russia.
