The International Olympic Committee’s response after the governments’ speech: “The Olympics should not divide and exclude athletes.”

In January, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opened the door for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag as early as the 2024 Paris Olympics.

It caused the European Parliament to react and question Monday sent more than 30 governmentsamong Olympic heavyweight nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada and Germany, wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee demanding a clearer definition of neutrality.

Sweden also signed the letter.

“As long as these fundamental issues, lack of clarity and concrete details of an effective ‘model of neutrality’ are not addressed, we do not agree to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return,” the letter stated. an agency.

“This is the realm of politics.”

On Wednesday, a response came from the International Olympic Committee.

“The Olympic Games cannot prevent wars and conflicts. They cannot address all the political and social challenges in our world. This is the world of politics,” the IOC wrote in a statement.

“But the Olympics can be an example of a world where everyone respects the same rules and respects each other. They can open the door to dialogue and peacebuilding in ways that exclusion and division do not.”

IOC President of SVT: “Expressed Concern”

in IOC President Christophe Dubi said in an interview with SVT Sport last week The statement on possible Russian participation in the Olympics came after a recommendation from the United Nations.

– They expressed concern that the athletes would be suspended just because they are Russian or Belarusian. This means that the International Olympic Committee, which advocates non-discrimination, cannot fulfill its mission if we maintain this recommendation. So, we’re now conducting an investigation that we’re consulting with the entire Olympic movement,” Dube said.

– and the whole Olympic Movement behind it, so we can find solutions that align with our values ​​- starting with non-discrimination. You can’t stop someone just because of their passport.

CUT: Listen to the interview with IOC President Christophe Dubi