MADRID, 26 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The European Olympic Committee (EOC) will “explore solutions” regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions, after the IOC’s statement this Wednesday in which it left open the possibility of ending its ban on the Games of Paris 2024.
In a statement, the EOC Executive Committee reiterated its “solidarity” with Ukraine, and recalled that 25 athletes from this country are participating in the Friuli Venezia Giulia 2023 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.
He also indicated that, following the recommendations of the IOC, he has also maintained sports sanctions against officials and symbols of the Russian government. “According to the safety and security conditions, there are currently no athletes from Russia or Belarus participating,” he clarified.
However, regarding the future participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions, he valued the “importance of removing barriers so that sport serves as a unifying force.” “This especially applies to Europe, which serves to bring together diverse people from different nations. The EOC does not believe that athletes should be prevented from competing solely on the basis of which passport they hold,” he added.
In this sense, the EOC recalled that it reviewed the current status of the participation of Russia and Belarus in the meeting of its Executive on January 21 and will continue with its “efforts to explore possible solutions according to the consultation calls made with the IOC” .