The IOC asked experts to establish a criterion for identifying military athletes

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said that the organization had asked military experts to establish criteria for identifying athletes who are in the service of Russia’s military structures.

“We asked for the opinions of military experts. This is done in order to distinguish between the military service that exists in Russia, and those who continue to serve after its completion of their own free will, ”said Bach (quote according to TASS).

He added that international sports federations should have independent commissions and such experts to create “general rules” for all sports.

Bach also informedthat the committee does not expect a boycott from the UK and Germany if the Russians are admitted to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. According to him, the Olympic committees of these countries have clearly stated that they will not boycott the Olympics. “The main thing for us is their decision,” concluded the president of the organization.

Former Minister of Sports and Tourism of Poland Kamil Bortnichuk declaredthat the authorities of the republic will require Russian athletes to sign a statement condemning the special operation in Ukraine to participate in the European Games. According to him, such a document will be required from athletes from Russia to participate in any competitions in the country.

On March 28, Bach said that the organization supports the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes in a neutral status, however, for this, athletes must not support military operations in Ukraine and not be associated with the Russian and Belarusian armed forces or national security agencies. In particular, they will only be able to participate in individual sports. Then Bach declaredwhich will decide on the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris “at the right time.”

On January 25, the IOC voted for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions in a neutral status. At the end of March Bach spoke against “collective guilt” in relation to Russian athletes. At the same time, he stressed, athletes who actively support hostilities in Ukraine should not take part in the competition.

March 29, Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov informedthat the Kremlin will continue to defend the interests of Russian athletes in international sports and will continue to contact the IOC “precisely to protect” these interests.