Live | Crisis in Ukraine
MADRID, 25 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reiterated this Friday its “strong condemnation” for the breach of the Olympic truce by the Russian government and the government of Belarus, its support in the Russian offensive in Ukraine, and has asked to the international federations that cancel or relocate the competitions scheduled in both countries.
“The IOC Executive Committee urges all international sports federations to relocate or cancel their currently planned sporting events in Russia or Belarus. They should take into account the breach of the Olympic truce by the governments of Russia and Belarus and give absolute priority to the safety of athletes. The IOC has no planned events in Russia or Belarus,” he said in a statement.
The Olympic truce began seven days before the start of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics on February 4 and ends seven days after the Paralympic Games close.
In addition, the IOC called for “no Russian or Belarusian national flag to be displayed or any Russian or Belarusian anthem to be played” at international sporting competitions that do not respect World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia.
“The IOC Executive Committee expresses its deep concern for the safety of members of the Olympic community in Ukraine and expresses its full solidarity. The IOC special task force is in contact with the Olympic community in the country to coordinate humanitarian assistance. when possible,” he said.