Candidate for IOC chief suggests Russia might participate in Olympics again
Sebastian Coe, a candidate for the position of IOC chief, has stated that Russia could potentially be reinstated in the Olympics following the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Athletes from Russia were banned from competing in the Olympics following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe has indicated that Russia may be permitted to return to the Olympics once the Ukraine conflict is resolved. In a recent interview with journalist Piers Morgan, Coe, who is one of the seven candidates aiming to succeed Thomas Bach as the next president of the International Olympic Committee, expressed that it would be “far better” to have Russian athletes participating rather than excluded from the Games.
The IOC imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes shortly after the Ukraine conflict intensified in February 2022 and recommended that international sports federations do the same. This led to the exclusion of both countries from most global sporting events. While the IOC did later permit some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as individuals under neutral flags—such as at the Paris Olympics last year—national teams continue to be prohibited.
When asked about the possibility of allowing Russia to return if he becomes IOC president, Coe stated, “It’s not for me to design peace treaties, but… if we get to a situation where an agreement is made and it meets with the satisfaction of both sides… it is far better to have people in your sport rather than sitting outside it.” He noted that the IOC would need to “look very closely” at the situation but personally has no objections to Russia’s reinstatement.
Coe pointed out that the Ukraine conflict is the primary reason for Russia's ongoing exclusion from the Olympics, recalling how World Athletics previously lifted its eight-year ban on Russian athletes due to doping allegations. Moscow has consistently denied accusations of state-sponsored doping.
The Russian government has long claimed that Western nations have pressured sports federations to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes sidelined for political reasons, criticizing international sports organizations, particularly the IOC, for "politicizing" sports.
The IOC's presidential election is set for March 20, with Coe contending against six other candidates. Recently, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that the IOC has been encouraging international sports federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status, offering them a path to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
However, Russian lawmaker Dmitry Svishchev stated on Tuesday that the IOC is unlikely to make any significant decisions regarding Russia and Belarus before the presidential election. “The IOC will not make any sensational or abrupt moves now ahead of the organization’s presidential election… the most important thing is to continue working, including with international organizations... and be ready to return to the international arena,” Svishchev, deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, told TASS.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe has indicated that Russia may be permitted to return to the Olympics once the Ukraine conflict is resolved. In a recent interview with journalist Piers Morgan, Coe, who is one of the seven candidates aiming to succeed Thomas Bach as the next president of the International Olympic Committee, expressed that it would be “far better” to have Russian athletes participating rather than excluded from the Games.
The IOC imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes shortly after the Ukraine conflict intensified in February 2022 and recommended that international sports federations do the same. This led to the exclusion of both countries from most global sporting events. While the IOC did later permit some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as individuals under neutral flags—such as at the Paris Olympics last year—national teams continue to be prohibited.
When asked about the possibility of allowing Russia to return if he becomes IOC president, Coe stated, “It’s not for me to design peace treaties, but… if we get to a situation where an agreement is made and it meets with the satisfaction of both sides… it is far better to have people in your sport rather than sitting outside it.” He noted that the IOC would need to “look very closely” at the situation but personally has no objections to Russia’s reinstatement.
Coe pointed out that the Ukraine conflict is the primary reason for Russia's ongoing exclusion from the Olympics, recalling how World Athletics previously lifted its eight-year ban on Russian athletes due to doping allegations. Moscow has consistently denied accusations of state-sponsored doping.
The Russian government has long claimed that Western nations have pressured sports federations to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes sidelined for political reasons, criticizing international sports organizations, particularly the IOC, for "politicizing" sports.
The IOC's presidential election is set for March 20, with Coe contending against six other candidates. Recently, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that the IOC has been encouraging international sports federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status, offering them a path to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
However, Russian lawmaker Dmitry Svishchev stated on Tuesday that the IOC is unlikely to make any significant decisions regarding Russia and Belarus before the presidential election. “The IOC will not make any sensational or abrupt moves now ahead of the organization’s presidential election… the most important thing is to continue working, including with international organizations... and be ready to return to the international arena,” Svishchev, deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, told TASS.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
