Russian attack IOC calls for exclusion of Russia and Belarus – Vladimir Putin loses highest recognition of Olympic movement

Sport|The Russian attack

International on Monday, the IOC Olympic Committee recommended that all international sports federations exclude athletes representing Russia and Belarus from all competitions.

The IOC announced its decision in an e-mailed bulletin. Last week, the organization called on sports federations to cancel or postpone sporting events planned for Russia or Belarus.

The recommendations stem from Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Belarus has cooperated with Russia in the attack.

The IOC also encouraged athletes to take a stand for peace, which is exceptional for an organization that avoids politicking. In particular, the Committee needs comments from the Russians.

Exceptional is also the highest possible recognition of the IOC, ie Olympic Order withdrawal from, among others, the war From Vladimir Putin.

“In view of the extremely serious violation of the Olympic Truce and the many previous violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian Government, the IOC Board has decided to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons holding important positions in the Government of the Russian Federation or other high-ranking government.” the organization informed.

The Olympic Order is divided into gold, silver and bronze. In addition to Putin, at least the deputy prime minister lost his recognition Dmitry Chernyshenko and the Deputy Director of the Presidential Administration Dmitri Kozak.

Putin was awarded the Golden Olympic Order in 2001, and Chernyshenko and Kozak received theirs in 2014.

COPD said in a statement that the Olympic movement aims to promote peace and unite the world beyond all political controversy. It said it was committed to fair competition without any discrimination.

However, this is not possible due to the attack.

“While Russian and Belarusian athletes could continue to participate in sporting events, many Ukrainian athletes have been prevented from doing so by the attack on their country. This is a dilemma that cannot be solved. The IOC Board has therefore given careful consideration to the situation, ”the organization said.

If the International Federation of Sports has not yet prevented the Russians or Belarusians from competing, the organizers must ensure that they are not allowed to compete in the country. No national symbols such as colors, flags or national anthems are allowed.