The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, expressed regret that some European governments criticized plans to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to international competitions, deeming it a "blow to the independence of sport." He added in a press conference at the conclusion of the IOC's executive board meeting that it is unfortunate those governments are not addressing the issue of double standards, noting that there has not been a single comment regarding their stance on the participation of athletes from countries involved in 70 wars and armed conflicts around the world.
The IOC recommended that sports federations allow athletes from the two countries to return to international competitions after they were banned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, but this recommendation does not apply to the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will require a separate decision to be released later. This recommendation has sparked outrage from Ukraine, Poland, Britain, the Czech Republic, and others, as they stated that athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus have no place in sports as long as the war continues. The German Olympic Committee also opposes Russia's return to competitions.
