The International Weightlifting Federation said they are still in solidarity with Ukraine. The organization also believes that nationality should not affect the ability to play sports.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has decided to allow citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to compete in a neutral status. This is indicated on the official website of the organization.
The IWF press release states that the decision to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete was based on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC believes that athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports should display strict neutrality during international competitions.
IWF said such a decision was the “best possible balance” between the organization’s solidarity with Ukraine and the opportunity to play sports for “impartial athletes” of any nationality.
“From the very beginning of this profound crisis that has seriously affected the functioning of international sports, IWF has strictly followed the recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee,” the organization said.
Recall that on April 5, wrestlers from Russia and Belarus were allowed to participate in international tournaments, subject to the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee. Russian wrestlers in the 15-17 age category were allowed to compete without checking their affiliation with military organizations.
At the same time, the head of the German Interior Ministry, Nancy Feser, said on April 10 that Germany would refuse to issue visas to athletes from Russia and Belarus if they were admitted to international competitions, contrary to the recommendations of the IOC.
Earlier, on March 31, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided that Ukrainian athletes would not participate in tournaments where athletes from Russia or Belarus would compete.
Source: Focus
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