The British government has indicated that it is prepared to withdraw its opposition to Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, in light of recent tightening of its strict neutrality rules.
The government has written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) emphasizing its position, saying it is confident that their respective governing bodies now agree with this view. .
Last month, the IPC issued stricter guidelines for the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes, largely in line with earlier statements by the IOC.
Among them: Russian and Belarusian athletes must compete in neutral uniforms, must not appear in the opening or closing ceremonies or medal tables, and have never publicly supported the war in Ukraine. This includes requirements such as individual examination of
Government officials support a hard line but rule out a U-turn. A government spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Athletes from Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to participate in national or international sports competitions.” That position remains unchanged. ”
The IPC drew criticism last year for voting only to partially suspend their respective Olympic committees, paving the way for them to compete as neutral nations. Paralympic GB said at the time that the decision was “not consistent with the values of the Paralympic Movement”.
The IOC continues to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee and takes a tougher stance. Russia's failed appeal against sanctions in February sparked an furious reaction from the Kremlin, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing IOC President Thomas Bach of damaging the Olympic movement.
Russia has also confirmed that it intends to go ahead with “friendly matches” in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in September, which the IOC calls a “violation of the Olympic Charter.”
Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been allowed to compete in Britain under strict neutrality rules. However, strict criteria, which are mirrored by many other governments and sports federations, mean only 60 athletes from Russia and Belarus will qualify as neutrals in Paris.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph for free for 3 months. Get unlimited access to award-winning websites, exclusive apps, savings and more.
