The Kremlin says the IOC’s rules on Russia’s participation are discriminatory

He Kremlin was taught that the principles of International Olympic Committee (IOC) which allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international competitions because the neutral ones contained “elements of discrimination.”

The athletes from Russia and Belarus, an ally of Moscow, was banned from most international competitions last year because of the war with Ukrainebut the guidelines published on Tuesday by the IOC, based on Lausanne (Switzerland), they aim to allow their gradual return to world sport.

However, the rules have angered Russian authorities, who say any move that strips athletes of their national symbols is discriminatory.

“These recommendations contain elements of discrimination, which are unacceptable,” a government spokesman told reporters. Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, in a conference call.

“We will continue to defend the interests of our athletes in every possible way.”

He IOC President Thomas Bach said Tuesday that it was up to international sports federations to decide which athletes from Russia and Belarus they can compete as neutral, meaning without their country’s national flag or anthem.

Under the rules, athletes from Russia and Belarus are not allowed to participate in team events and must have a proven history of doping tests, while athletes who support the war or are under military contract or Russian national security agencies are excluded. their countries.

The recommendations of the IOC executive board refer to the return of athletes to international competitions, but not specifically to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where a separate decision will be made later.

Ukraine and some of its allies have threatened to boycott the paris games they must compete, even as neutrals.