The IOC has revealed strict criteria for the reintegration of Russian athletes in Olympic competition Oleg Matytsin, Sports Minister of Russia, pictured at a ceremony held by the Russian Olympic Committee in Moscow on December 20, 2022. © Getty Images / Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin and Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) President Stanislav Pozdnyakov have criticized the terms outlined for the country’s reintegration to Olympic competition. Their comments came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released a framework which could see athletes from Russia and Belarus take part in Asian Olympic qualification events. further explored governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot emphasized that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris strict conditions The IOC, in its decision, speaks about the possibility of admitting athletes, demonstrating the political flexibility of its position At the same time, we consider it unacceptable to determine special conditions for athletes to participate that are inconsistent with the Olympic Charter, the principles of equality and fairness View this post on Instagram Pozdnyakov was also critical of the requirements outlined by the IOC, and said the ROC would seek a legal review of the IOC statement. I perceive the information from the IOC as an attempt to take a step towards the athletes But at the same time, unfortunately, it is also two steps in the opposite direction. In fact, today’s statement is an attempt to correct a mistake that has already resulted in groundless restrictions for Russian and Belarusian sports for almost a year and has caused great damage to all international sports. The voice of common sense was heard. However, at the same time, we still categorically disagree with any restrictions, additional requirements and sanctions that relate to the nationality of our athletes and are again offered to us as a condition for returning to the international arena President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, was another who outlined objections to the neutrality requirements put forth by the IOC. Even in the wording of the initiative there is too much politics, which should be alien to the ideas of the Olympic family
