New Delhi: Taking note of the ongoing tense conflict between Russia and Ukraine, The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Monday, recommended that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions after the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian government and the government of Belarus through its support in this.
As per the IOC Executive Board, they took this decision to ensure fair competitions for everybody as many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from actively participating in international sports events because of the attack initiated by Russia on their country.
"Wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC EB strongly urges International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," IOC in a statement said.
"The current war in Ukraine, however, puts the Olympic Movement in a dilemma. While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be able to continue to participate in sports events, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from doing so because of the attack on their country," IOC added.