Despite the ongoing war, the IOC has recommended allowing athletes from Russia and Moscow ally Belarus to compete as individual neutrals in international competitions.
French President Emmanuel Macron insisted on Wednesday, September 6, that “the Russian flag cannot be at the Paris Olympic Games (…) at a time when Russia is committing war crimes.”
Questioned on the possible presence of Russian athletes in Paris competing as neutrals, Macron added:
“I hope that this is a decision of conscience in the Olympic world. It is not the host state that must decide what the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should do.” He added “I have total confidence in IOC president Thomas Bach.”
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced sanctions from a multitude of sports since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. Despite the ongoing war, the IOC has recommended allowing athletes from Russia and Moscow ally Belarus to compete as individual neutrals in international competitions. Those allowed to reintegrate into world sport must satisfy certain conditions.
These include competing under a neutral flag and proving that they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine.
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