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The IOC urges all International Federations to move or cancel their sporting events currently scheduled in Russia or Belarus

By February 25, 2022Sports events

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today reiterated the IOC’s strong condemnation of the violation of the Olympic truce by the Russian government and the Belarusian government through its support in this case. The corresponding UN resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 2, 2021 by consensus of the 193 UN member states. The Olympic Truce began seven days before the start of the Olympic Games, on February 4, 2022, and ends seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games.

The IOC EB is today urging all international sports federations to move or cancel their sporting events currently scheduled in Russia or Belarus. They should take into account the violation of the Olympic truce by the Russian and Belarusian governments and give top priority to the safety and security of athletes. The IOC itself has not planned any events in Russia or Belarus.

Furthermore, the IOC EB urges that no Russian or Belarusian national flags be displayed and that no Russian or Belarusian anthems be played at international sporting events that are not already part of the Agency’s respective sanctions. World Anti-Doping (WADA) for Russia.

At the same time, the IOC EB expresses its full support to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for the upcoming Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

The IOC EB expresses its deep concern for the safety of members of the Olympic community in Ukraine and stands in full solidarity. He noted that the IOC’s special task force is in contact with the country’s Olympic community to coordinate humanitarian aid where possible.

The IOC EB asks the Working Group to continue to closely monitor the situation and to keep the IOC EB informed and updated, also regarding potential changes to today’s resolution.