“We are in a dilemma”
IOC considers Russian return
09/16/2022, 11:47 am
In the wake of the Ukraine war, Russian athletes have so far been banned from participating in the Olympic Games – but apparently that won’t be the case for much longer. The IOC wants to open the games again to everyone without exception. But not every association thinks this is a good idea.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is apparently looking for a viable way for the possible return of the exiled Russian and Belarusian athletes. “We know the IOC is considering whether there is a way back for the Russian athletes,” said Susanne Lyons, chair of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
“They are starting to reach out to all their stakeholders, including the NOCs, the international federations, for input on this issue, so I don’t think any decisions have been made yet,” Lyons said. “But I think we all feel at some point that individual athletes shouldn’t be the victims of their respective governments, political or other tensions around the world.”
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) confirmed the inclusion of the discussion. “The issue was the subject of a call between the IOC and the National Olympic Committees,” a spokesman said. “For the DOSB, its position from February, which calls for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian officials and athletes, currently applies.” However, one observes the “sport-political discussion carefully”.
Sanctions remain “in force for the time being”
At the request of the industry portal insidethegames, the IOC stated that the sanctions as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine “remain in force for the time being”. At the same time, the IOC emphasized that it would “intensify its efforts” to get out of the “dilemma we are in”.
“The Olympic Movement is united in its mission to bring together the athletes of all National Olympic Committees and Member Federations of International Federations in peaceful competition,” the IOC said.