Britain and France oppose participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international competitions

Reuters writes about it.

During parliamentary hearings of the Council of Europe, Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport of Great Britain, expressed her concern about the strong ties between sports and the state in Russia and Belarus. She highlighted that many Russian athletes actively supported Putin's invasion, indicating the close relationship between the state, military, and sports in Russia and Belarus.

Amélie Oudéa-Castera, French Sports Minister, added that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to address fundamental issues before the Olympics start in July next year. She questioned the position of the IOC regarding athletes financed by the Russian or Belarusian state, sponsored, or receiving financial support from organizations linked to these countries.

• On March 28, the IOC Executive Committee did not allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Olympics. However, it recommended that the federations permit them to participate under certain conditions.