2023-04-26 14:46:20
The Olympic movement is still studying the conditions so that Russian and Belarusian athletes, excluded due to the war in Ukraine, can participate in the next Summer Olympics. As the Team explains, this Monday took place at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg a hearing on the subject.
At the end, Francesco Ricci Bitti, the president of ASOIF (Association of International Summer Olympic Federations) declared that, beyond the criteria already defined (exclusions, for support of the war and contracts with the Army Rouge or national security agencies), the other athletes concerned may have to sign a declaration of neutrality to reach the capital.
“The athletes will have a declaration to sign, declared Ricci Bitti, but they will not be asked to say that they are against the war because it becomes a criminal matter in Russia. We are in the process of developing, with legal assistance, a model declaration. F1 drivers already do that. Federations like swimming are already ahead and we will try to harmonize all that, but it is not easy. »
A month ago, the International Olympic Committee recommended the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions, under a neutral banner and on an individual basis. A decision that raises questions and divides. Several international federations, including that of fencing and tennis, providers of champions in the offending countries, have abounded in this direction. Those of athletics, horse riding, and basketball, among others, always close the door to them.
This Tuesday, Amélie Oudéa-Castera also qualified the future choice of the IOC as a “sovereign decision”. “France recognizes and respects the autonomy of the sports movement”, indicated the Minister of Sports, who also promised to “do everything possible” so that Ukrainian sportsmen are at their best level in Paris, thanks to assistance from one million euros which will allow “full coverage” of the base camp of the Ukrainian Olympic delegation.
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