What arguments does the IOC offer?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes three main arguments: President Thomas Bach claims that the IOC is politically neutral and committed to it. An exclusion of Russians and Belarusians solely because of their passport violates the charter, against the sixth fundamental principle of Olympism: “The exercise of the rights and freedoms formulated in the charter is without discrimination of any kind, such as race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation (. . .), national or social origin (…).” For support, the IOC refers to two special representatives of the United Nations, who called on Bach to refer to the “Olympic Charter and, in a broader sense, to international human rights norms that prohibit discrimination”. After consultations with the international trade associations, among others, the IOC stated that a large majority of its member organizations were in favor of re-admission. At the end of March, Bach declared that the majority of the world’s 70 warring or conflicting parties respect the Olympic charter and are not demanding the exclusion of their athletes.
What are the requirements of the IOC?
Russians and Belarusians who do not actively support the war should be allowed to appear as “neutral” athletes, without national symbols such as flags and badges. Their national anthems would not be played at award ceremonies. Teams are not allowed. This refers to sports such as basketball or handball. Athletes may not belong to either the military or security bodies of their countries, conscripts are exempt. They must also comply with the requirements of the Anti-Doping Control System.
Who controls the requirements?
The IOC has recommended that the world associations set up an independent body. It should guarantee the uniform interpretation of its conditions for return. It is too late for comprehensive doping controls. At least that applies to athletes who take part in the qualifying tournaments that are starting these days and do not travel around the world like tennis players do. “Few can be reached, Russia is a black box,” said an employee of an anti-doping agency in the FAZ. Classic doping, such as with anabolic steroids, is used months before competitions. However, the insider admitted that since the Russian army’s raid, doping control officers have not been sent to Ukraine either. However, many Ukrainians trained abroad.
Being there is everything: artistic jumper Nikita Schleicher
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Bild: picture alliance/dpa
What are the Ukrainians saying?
They call for Russians and Belarusians to be banned from international competitions until Putin’s army retreats behind Russia’s borders. “There is no peace with athletes who represent Putin, who are his propaganda tool,” Olympic fencing champion Olga Charlan told the FAZ: “Neutrality doesn’t change that. Their flag is stained with blood, but even without the flag, they will return to Russia and be celebrated for their victories, for their strength.” Ukraine’s Sports Minister Vadym Hutzait announced on Wednesday that his homeland’s athletes will boycott competitions where Russian and Belarusian athletes participate. There is agreement on this position within the Ukrainian sports associations. Hutzajt is also President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine: “Our sports community understands that. We live in a state of martial law, in which certain human rights are restricted according to international law.” Individuals are free to ignore the boycott However, Hutzajt warned against this step: “Our athletes have the freedom to train and compete both at home and abroad. But this is only possible because others defend this freedom. Many people had to die for this.” So far, more than 300 athletes are said to have fallen. On Friday, the Ministry of Sports banned Ukrainian athletes from participating in competitions with Russian and Belarusian participation. Sports federations must monitor compliance. Violations of the ministerial decree can result in the withdrawal of official status.
