ROC chief says purpose of IOC military decision is to harm Russian Federation sport

The recommendations of the IOC on the non-admission to international competitions of athletes associated with the armed forces of the Russian Federation or the country’s security agencies are intended to harm Russian sport. This was stated by the head of the Russian ROC Stanislav Pozdnyakov.

“The position announced today on the military is no longer just another chapter on discrimination, this criterion establishes the conflict in the Russian sports community. The goal is to inflict damage on Russian sport as a whole,” Pozdnyakov said.

Previously, the IOC’s executive committee had recommended that Russian athletes who did not support the special operation be allowed to participate in international competitions under a neutral flag. The recommendations also concerned persons associated with the armed forces of the Russian Federation or security agencies. The IOC believes that these athletes should not be allowed to participate.

The IOC also said that the decision on Russia’s participation in the Games would rest with the sports federations. At the same time, the International Olympic Committee has prepared recommendations that attention should be paid to public statements by athletes, participation in rallies and the display of symbols in favor of the IOC.

The ROC chief said the purpose of the IOC’s decision on the military is to harm the sport of the Russian Federation