Theodoros Roussopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), did not support the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Russian athletes to participate in the Games in Paris with neutral status. His words are quoted official website of the organization.
“Any victory by these athletes, even those competing under a neutral flag, could be used as a propaganda tool to create a narrative of acceptance and normalization that downplays the seriousness of Russia and Belarus’ actions. From where? Because their participation would be an insult to Ukrainian athletes, many of whom cannot train due to the destruction of sports infrastructure,” Roussopoulos said.
In December 2023, the IOC allowed Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympics with neutral status. It was also noted that they should not support the SVO or have connections with military organizations. Athletes can only compete in individual programs, they are prohibited from participating in team tournaments.
The games will start in July 2024. Russians are prohibited from attending the opening ceremony.
Previously Tarasova statedThat Russian athletes should not be banned from going to the Olympic Games.