Ukraine: IOC hits Putin, Russian and Belarusian athlete, officials

LUSANNE – The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee has imposed punishment  on key figures in Russia following the onslaught on Ukraine.

Part of the punishment include withdrawal of Olympic order from President Vladimir Putin  of Russia,  Mr. Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Mr. Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the Russian Government.

The IOC also IOC EB recommends no participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, adding that the decision is to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants.

“In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions”, the IOC EB said.

The IOC said the Olympic Movement is united in its mission to contribute to peace through sport and to unite the world in peaceful competition beyond all political disputes and that the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, World Championships and World Cups and many other sports events unite athletes of countries which are in confrontation and sometimes even war.

“At the same time, the Olympic Movement is united in its sense of fairness not to punish athletes for the decisions of their government if they are not actively participating in them. We are committed to fair competitions for everybody without any discrimination”, the IOC said, adding that the current war in Ukraine, however, puts the Olympic Movement in a dilemma.

According to IOC, 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.