Al Jazeera: UK, France push for ban on state-funded athletes from Russia, Belarus

The United Kingdom and France’s sports ministers demanded that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ban state-funded athletes from Russia and Belarus on April 25, according to Al Jazeera.

The sports ministers disagree with the IOC’s recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, arguing that even neutral athletes could still be funded by their respective governments.

On March 28, the IOC recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in international sporting events.

The IOC condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and bars athletes who actively support the war, but has not issued an outright ban on athletes from Russia or Belarus.

So far, over 30 countries have urged the IOC to continue its ban on Russia and Belarus competing in international sporting events, including the 2024 Olympic Games.

The IOC is yet to finalize the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Ukraine’s sports minister: As Russia kills our athletes, it’s not the time to allow Russians back to international sports

Editor’s Note: This interview was recorded before the International Olympics Committee’s announcement on allowing some Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in Olympic qualification tournaments. Following the executive board meeting on March 28, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) rec…

Kyiv IndependentAnastasiya Gordiychuk