Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be required to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in writing in order to return to international competition, Francesco Ricci Bitti, president of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), said, Suspilne reported on April 27, 2023.
A neutrality declaration
Instead, the athletes will have to sign a declaration committing them to neutrality criteria. “These athletes will receive a declaration to sign. But they won’t be asked to say they oppose the war, because in Russia that carries a criminal case,” Ricci Bitti said.
He said the declaration was still being drafted with legal assistance, noting that Formula 1 drivers already sign similar declarations. ASOIF is considering giving the Court of Arbitration for Sport a role in enforcing it, though this has not been finalised.
IOC recommendations
In the spring, the International Olympic Committee recommended that international federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to individual competitions as neutrals under strict conditions. Athletes must not publicly support the war and must not be affiliated with their countries’ military or security agencies. Teams from the two countries remain excluded.
Ukraine’s objections
Ukraine has strongly opposed the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes, arguing that sport is used by the Kremlin for propaganda and that many Russian athletes are affiliated with the army. Kyiv has threatened to boycott the 2024 Paris Olympics if Russians are allowed to take part.
Hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion, and many sports facilities have been destroyed.
Sources
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