Fetisov Voices Critique of IOC Admission Criteria for Russian Athletes
Vyacheslav Fetisov, a state Duma deputy and a two time Olympic hockey champion, criticized the admission criteria for international competition set by the International Olympic Committee. He argued that these rules have deprived many Russian athletes of their dreams and opportunities to compete on the world stage.
During the IOC executive committee meeting on March 28, IOC President Thomas Bach suggested that Russians be allowed to participate in international events only as neutral athletes. The proposal also indicated that participants should not voice public support for the IOC and that the team would be considered not affiliated with Ukraine along with its security services or armed forces.
Fetisov questioned the consistency of the policy, noting that while military personnel can travel abroad, they are restricted from competing. He pointed to Germany where athletes are linked to the interior ministry and sports in the country are governed by that agency. He asserted that Bach is familiar with these realities, given his position at the helm of the IOC.
According to Fetisov, the recommendations undermine the spirit of sport and erase reasons that have little to do with athletic competition. He argued that the dream of many athletes has been taken from them and that the moves violate rights and universal sporting principles. He emphasized that athletes should respect the laws of the countries where they train and compete.
In his view, the era of straightforward, unrestrained moves in sport has given way to a more constrained environment. He called for a renewed focus on developing sports within the country, strengthening school and youth sports, and using this as a foundation for national welfare, a stance he attributed to his upbringing and long experience as a sport administrator.
Reports from TASS indicate that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be kept out of team sports in international competition as a precaution under the current framework.
Stanislav Pozdnyakov, former president of the Russian Olympic Committee, criticized the IOC stance, suggesting that the organization intends to undermine domestic sports rather than support them.