IOC President Thomas Bach and Contested Calls Around the Friendship Games
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, found himself in a tense exchange with pranksters who identified themselves as Vladimir Kuznetsov, known online as Vovan, and Alexey Stolyarov, who goes by Lexus. The two suspects claimed to speak on behalf of an African official and pressed Bach to influence African nations to refrain from participating in the Friendship Games, a multi-sport event scheduled to take place in Russia. The incident drew attention to the political pressures and ethical questions surrounding athletes and international competitions.
Bach later remarked on the broader implications of the call, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of sport. He suggested that messages from high political levels to African athletes could reinforce that the Friendship Games are presented in Moscow with the backing of Russia’s leadership. He added that if such influence were possible, it would be appreciated, framing the appeal as an effort to separate political influence from athletic opportunities in a way that respects the autonomy of athletes.
In the same discussion, Bach referenced possible support from European partners, noting that France and other European Union countries, represented at the highest level by President Emmanuel Macron, might back the decision to limit participation by certain nations. The broader point raised was the potential alignment of international political pressure with the organization of events that Russia had designated as presidentially endorsed.
The World Friendship Games were announced to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from September 15 to September 29, 2024. The event marked a significant attempt to host a multi-sport competition featuring performances across 33 summer Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. The setup signaled a desire to present an alternative stage for athletic achievement, drawing attention to how geopolitical contexts can intersect with global sports calendars.
Earlier developments show that in February 2022 the IOC issued guidance to international federations advising that Russian and Belarusian athletes should generally be barred from participation in global competitions. The stance reflected concerns about the separation of sport from military conflicts and political events. By December, however, the IOC permitted Russian and Belarusian participants to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games under neutral status. The plan specified that athletes compete as individuals rather than under the flag of their nations or with overt associations to military organizations.
In a separate line of commentary, Bach had previously engaged in conversations that touched on the Valieva case, a matter that drew widespread attention within the figure skating community and beyond. The dialogue included remarks about the implications and context of that case as it related to the broader ecosystem of sport governance, fairness, and athlete rights.
Overall, the episode highlights the tension between political maneuvering and the independence of sport. It also underscores how high-profile events like the Friendship Games can become arenas where international diplomacy, national prestige, and the appeals around athlete participation collide. As the global sports world continues to navigate these complex dynamics, questions persist about how best to balance political realities with the principles of fair competition and athlete welfare.