The IOC commented on Putin’s words about ethnic discrimination against Russians

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not agree with the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin that the recommendations put forward by the organization on the admission of Russians in a neutral status are ethnic discrimination. This was reported by the IOC press service.

“Participation in the Olympic Games is by no means a human right“, IOC representatives said in an interview with TASS.

The organization’s press service noted that the recommendations put forward for the admission of Russians and Belarusians are “a reaction to the violation of the Olympic Charter by the governments of Russia and Belarus.”

The IOC rejected the “accusations made” and emphasized that the measures taken do not allegedly constitute ethnic discrimination.

Let us recall that on October 19, speaking at the sports forum “Russia – a sports power” in Perm, Putin said that he was outraged by the actions of the IOC. He noted that he was puzzled by the fact that the IOC considers an invitation to the Olympics not an unconditional right of the best athletes, but a “privilege.”

In 2023, the IOC allowed athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus to participate in international competitions only if the special operation in Ukraine was condemned.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented that the committee’s recommendation is xenophobic and nationalistic, and also noted that discriminatory tactics can extend to other areas of life.

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that Russia will maintain relations with the IOC to defend the interests of Russian athletes.