Moscow objects to conditions for Olympic reinstatement
Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin is one of the individuals expressing criticism regarding the IOC's conditions for Russia's reinstatement in Olympic events. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has laid out stringent criteria for the reintegration of Russian athletes into Olympic competition, prompting criticism from Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin and Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov. Their remarks followed the IOC's announcement of a framework that might allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in Asian Olympic qualification events.
On Wednesday, the IOC indicated that it should “further explore” avenues to conclude Russia’s Olympic isolation, expressing support for an offer from the Olympic Council of Asia that would let both Russia and Belarus participate in the upcoming Asian Games.
The IOC's statement also maintained that “governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot.” This announcement arrived shortly after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky shared details of a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he “emphasized that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris.”
Critics in Russia, including Matytsin, condemned the IOC's criteria, which imposes “strict conditions” regarding political neutrality and continues the ban on national symbols, including flags and anthems. Matytsin argued that banning the display of Russian and Belarusian national symbols contradicts the Olympic Charter. He stated, “The IOC, in its decision, speaks about the possibility of admitting athletes, demonstrating the political flexibility of its position.” He continued, “At the same time, we consider it unacceptable to determine special conditions for athletes to participate that are inconsistent with the Olympic Charter, the principles of equality and fairness.”
Pozdnyakov shared similar sentiments regarding the IOC's stipulations, noting that the Russian Olympic Committee would pursue a legal review of the IOC's statement. He remarked, “I perceive the information from the IOC as an attempt to take a step towards the athletes.” However, he lamented that this was “also two steps in the opposite direction.” He added, “In fact, today’s statement is an attempt to correct a mistake that has already resulted in groundless restrictions for Russian and Belarusian sports for almost a year and has caused great damage to all international sports. The voice of common sense was heard. However, at the same time, we still categorically disagree with any restrictions, additional requirements and sanctions that relate to the nationality of our athletes and are again offered to us as a condition for returning to the international arena.”
Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, also expressed dissent regarding the IOC's neutrality requirements. He stated, “Even in the wording of the initiative there is too much politics, which should be alien to the ideas of the Olympic family.”
The next Olympic Games will take place in Paris in July 2024, marking the first time in a century that the French capital has hosted the event. Various qualification competitions are already underway for the Games, which will include 32 sports and attract around 10,000 international athletes.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
On Wednesday, the IOC indicated that it should “further explore” avenues to conclude Russia’s Olympic isolation, expressing support for an offer from the Olympic Council of Asia that would let both Russia and Belarus participate in the upcoming Asian Games.
The IOC's statement also maintained that “governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot.” This announcement arrived shortly after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky shared details of a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he “emphasized that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris.”
Critics in Russia, including Matytsin, condemned the IOC's criteria, which imposes “strict conditions” regarding political neutrality and continues the ban on national symbols, including flags and anthems. Matytsin argued that banning the display of Russian and Belarusian national symbols contradicts the Olympic Charter. He stated, “The IOC, in its decision, speaks about the possibility of admitting athletes, demonstrating the political flexibility of its position.” He continued, “At the same time, we consider it unacceptable to determine special conditions for athletes to participate that are inconsistent with the Olympic Charter, the principles of equality and fairness.”
Pozdnyakov shared similar sentiments regarding the IOC's stipulations, noting that the Russian Olympic Committee would pursue a legal review of the IOC's statement. He remarked, “I perceive the information from the IOC as an attempt to take a step towards the athletes.” However, he lamented that this was “also two steps in the opposite direction.” He added, “In fact, today’s statement is an attempt to correct a mistake that has already resulted in groundless restrictions for Russian and Belarusian sports for almost a year and has caused great damage to all international sports. The voice of common sense was heard. However, at the same time, we still categorically disagree with any restrictions, additional requirements and sanctions that relate to the nationality of our athletes and are again offered to us as a condition for returning to the international arena.”
Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, also expressed dissent regarding the IOC's neutrality requirements. He stated, “Even in the wording of the initiative there is too much politics, which should be alien to the ideas of the Olympic family.”
The next Olympic Games will take place in Paris in July 2024, marking the first time in a century that the French capital has hosted the event. Various qualification competitions are already underway for the Games, which will include 32 sports and attract around 10,000 international athletes.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
