Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) continue to put pressure on independent international and national sports organizations. His words are quoted press service Ministry of Sport.
“Unfortunately, the IOC and WADA continue to put pressure on independent international and national sports organizations to maintain a monopoly in the management of world sport. This is fundamentally contrary to the values of the global sports family (equal treatment of all members, freedom of choice, protection of the interests of athletes and strict observance of their right to participate in competitions),” said Matytsin.
WADA CEO Olivier Niggli said at the organization’s board of directors meeting held in Montreal, Canada on November 17 that Russia should not host the 2024 World Friendship Games, which are planned to be held one month after the end of the Olympic Games. in Paris. The official noted that the upcoming competitions will have nothing to do with world sports. Previously, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had warned athletes not to participate in the Friendship Games, saying it was against Olympic values and the unity of the Olympic family.
The World Friendship Games will be held in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from 15 to 29 September 2024. This is the first multi-sport competition to include performances in all 25 Summer Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
Previously at WADA was threatened Sanctions for participation in the Friendship Games.