Swiss Olympic maintains competition ban on Russians, Belarusians
Swiss Olympic’s decision contrasts with the announcement by the IOC that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete again in international events under a neutral flag.
Keystone / Jean-christophe Bott
The Swiss Olympic Committee said its position on banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions remains unchanged, a day after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued its own recommendation on the matter.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/gw
العربية
ar
اللجنة الأولمبية السويسرية تُبقي على حظر مشاركة الروس والبيلاروسيين في المنافسات الدولية
In addition to retaining the ban on athletes, the Swiss body on Wednesday repeated its call that officials from Belarus and Russia be prevented from holding posts in international sports bodies, in line with the position of the Swiss government. It also said Swiss sports federations and their athletes were free to decide whether to participate in international competitions where Russian and Belarusian athletes are included.
The IOC has previously refused to exclude officials from the body, arguing that members were elected as individuals and did not, according to the Olympic Charter, represent their country in the Lausanne-based organisation.
Swiss Olympic’s decision contrasts with the announcement on Tuesday by the IOC that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete again in international events under a neutral flag. This advice does not include participation at the 2024 Summer Olympics – a separate decision will be taken on this at a later date, IOC President Thomas Bach said.
The IOC had initially sanctioned the athletes after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Bach justified the reversal by pointing to advice from independent human rights experts that excluding athletes based only on their passports would amount to discrimination.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss households to move as Brienz landslide threat rises
This content was published on
Twenty-five households are planning to voluntarily leave the Swiss village of Brienz, which is threatened by a major landslide.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland wants Russians and Belarusians excluded from sports federations
This content was published on
The International Olympic Committee is under pressure to exclude Russian and Belarusians from top positions in international sports federations.
Why Switzerland remains at the heart of corruption in sport
This content was published on
Switzerland is home to many international sports federations – and scandals. We examine what's gone wrong and what needs to change.
Skiing and athletics share top honours at Swiss sports awards
This content was published on
Skier Marco Odermatt and sprinter Mujinga Kambundji are the winners of the Swiss Sports Awards. Retired tennis star Roger Federer was also honoured.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.