At least 35 countries against Russian athletes participating in Paris Olympics
The Olympic Games will be held in Paris in 2024 (Photo:REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
At least 35 countries oppose any participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Lithuanian Minister of Science, Education, and Sports, Yurgita Šiugždinene, said on Feb. 10, as reported by Reuters.
The United States, Japan, the UK, Germany, and France, are among those who advocate for a complete ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Earlier, the International Olympic Committee stated that they were ready to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag.
On Jan. 27, German newspaper Der Spiegel quoted IOC President Thomas Bach as saying that he wants to “bring together athletes from all over the world,” including Russian ones, at the 2024 Olympics.
“It is not in line with the values and mission of the Olympic Charter to exclude athletes because of their passport,” Bach said.
Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Hutssait does not rule out Ukraine will boycott the Olympic Games if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete there.
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