IOC maintains sanctions on Russia and Belarus for war – 02/22/2023 – Sport

The IOC (International Olympic Committee) released this Wednesday (22) a statement in which it reinforced the maintenance of sanctions against Russia and Belarus due to the war in Ukraine.

The entity left the two countries out of the organization and participation of any sporting event on the international scene. The ban on displaying flags, anthems and other symbols in competitions was also maintained.

The position released by the IOC was addressed at the last Olympic Summit, held on December 9, 2022, and was also contained in the IOC Executive Board’s statement on solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the status of athletes from these countries.

“These sanctions were implemented in February 2022 and have been reinforced, further strengthened and confirmed by the recent Olympic Summit. They remain firmly in place,” it said.

The IOC reiterates its condemnation of the war in Ukraine, which is a flagrant violation of the then-current Olympic Truce and the Olympic Charter.

In the same statement, the IOC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes. According to the entity, the war has made them face “indescribable difficulties day after day.”

“The entire Olympic movement remains steadfast in its commitment to help Ukrainian athletes in every possible way, because we all want to see a strong team from the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.” , said the IOC.

Without citing figures, the organization said it tripled its solidarity fund for Ukrainian athletes. Still according to the IOC, around 3,000 athletes have already benefited from the aid.

“The Olympic Games cannot avoid wars and conflicts. Nor can they address all the political and social challenges in our world. This is the realm of politics. But the Olympic Games can serve as an example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and others,” said the IOC.