The IOC is groping for carrying capacity – Newspaper Kommersant No. 50 (7495) of 03/24/2023

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, confirmed that the main sports structure opposes the “total isolation” of Russian athletes, despite the fact that it has faced serious pressure from a number of countries. True, Mr. Bach does not yet allow a scenario with the complete abolition of this isolation, insisting that only those domestic athletes who have refused to “actively support” the special military operation in Ukraine can resume participation in competitions. True, it is still not very clear what such a refusal should consist of.

One of the most resonant events in the world of sports this week became speech at the Ruhr Political Forum, which took place in the German city of Essen, by the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach. The fact is that the central theme was, of course, the problem associated with Russian and Belarusian athletes. The vast majority of IOC member federations last year suspended them from participating in their competitions shortly after the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and the emergence of “isolation” recommendations from the head structure. However, in January, she radically corrected them.

The new recommendations include ensuring that domestic athletes are admitted in a neutral status and given the opportunity to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics under “hard conditions”.

The organization placed the responsibility for admission on the federations, many of which, in turn, noted that they were waiting for further clarification from the IOC.

At the moment, only two federations, following the sanctions trend in the spring of 2022, have canceled the removal of Russia. The first last fall is did The International Boxing Association (IBA), deprived, however, of recognition by the IOC and in conflict with it for a long time, the second, already recently,— International Fencing Federation (FIE). At the same time, both immediately ran into difficulties. About a dozen national federations have announced a boycott of the IBA’s men’s and women’s world championships. In fencing, Germany, Sweden and Finland refused to hold competitions at various levels, which were expected to appear on the calendar, at which the Russians were expected to appear. Most of the states that made the demarches are included in the list of 34 countries that in February called on the IOC to block Russia’s road to the Paris Olympics.

At the Essen forum, Thomas Bach tried to provide clarifications. But a clear picture still did not work out.

Mr. Bach, who before his speech had to look at the manifestation of those who do not like the idea of ​​​​allowing Russia, near the Philharmonic Hall, where the event took place (according to local media, about 200 people took part in it), nevertheless confirmed that the IOC, guided by the “responsibility for respecting human rights” and despite pressure, continue to configured against the “total isolation” of Russian athletes. He added that sport should not become a “political tool”. Moreover, Thomas Bach explicitly stated that he did not share the point of view of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the head of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee Vadym Gutzeit, insisting on the fact that the Russian team should not be in Paris.

But at the same time, there was a feeling that Thomas Bach considers “partial” isolation to be inevitable.

At the very least, he reiterated that “anyone who supports the war” cannot be allowed to compete. And trying to decipher the essence of support, Mr. Bach cited the example of a demonstration of the letter Z, “posts” (apparently, in social networks) and “many other things besides this.”

What is meant by “many more” remains a mystery. But perhaps not for long. Thomas Bach specified that the IOC would formulate more specific “instructions” regarding the admission criteria at its next executive committee. He will pass from 28 to 30 March.

Alexey Dospekhov