International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach says Russian and Belarussian athletes should not be punished for the ‘sins of their governments.’
He therefore urged delegates to “respect the clear majority” at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly here, while at same time claiming it is “not the time” to change its stance on Russia and Belarus.
Bach rallied against National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF) President Hans Natorp, who he rebuked for using the phrase “the Russians”, and told him that the organisation should “reflect on its role” as a member of the Olympic Movement.
“We will not paint everybody with the same brush because of the actions of their Government,” Bach added.
His response drew some applause from delegates,
Earlier, Bach had again outlined the IOC’s position on the war in Ukraine during an hour-long speech during which he conceded the situation represents an “unsolvable dilemma”.
He claimed Russia’s recent escalation of the conflict as an example of how it has “deepened its violation of the Olympic Charter“, and warned it showed that “the sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian states and Governments must and will remain firmly in place“.
These sanctions include a recommended ban on national symbols of both countries at both sports events.
Consideration
The Russian Olympic Committee and NOC of the Republic of Belarus (NOCRB) have both been permitted to attend the General Assembly as recognised members of the IOC who have not been suspended.
Initially, neither NOC had their flags on their desks, but these were later added during the General Assembly.
The presence of the ROC and NOCRB at the ANOC General Assembly has drew opposition from some countries, with ANOC Acing President Robin Mitchell acknowledging that it had received calls from 11 NOCs to reconsider its stance.
This was discussed at the Executive Council meeting yesterday, which confirmed that both countries would be permitted to attend as they are recognised by the IOC.