London has asked Olympic sponsors to support the ban on Russia and Belarus

The British Minister for Culture, the Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, reported on Friday that has written to the main sponsors of the Olympic Games, including companies such as Coca-Cola, Intel and Visa, asking them to support the continuation of the ban in Russia and Belarus. in competitions.

In the letter, which was sent to the CEOs of the British subsidiaries of these companies, the Government expressed its disagreement with the proposal of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to explore ways to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in future Olympic events, including Paris 2024.

“We know how closely related sports and politics are in Russia and Belarusand we are determined that the Russian and Belarusian regimes cannot use sport for their propaganda purposes,” the minister said in the letter, released by the government.

Frazer criticized the “lack of clarity and concrete details” in the plan for athletes from both countries compete under a neutral flag, stressing that the UK believes they “should not be allowed to return to competition” under any circumstances.

The British minister detailed that he urged the IOC to “reconsider its proposal” and urging companies sponsoring the Olympic Games to push in that direction.

“Having hosted the Games in London in 2012, we know how amazing it is to organize that event and we understand the crucial importance of sponsors to make the Games a success,” said the conservative politician.

Last month, 35 countries signed a joint petition to support the ban in Russia and Belarus. on the force for his role in the invasion of Ukraine.

Among the signatories, in addition to the United Kingdom, are France, which will host the Games in 2024, Italy, the host of the winter edition in 2026, and the United States, which will host the 2028 Games.