Jan Vapaavuori, a leading figure in Finnish sport and president of the Finnish National Olympic Committee, noted that the International Olympic Committee has positioned its stance on Russian and Belarusian athletes under pressure from multiple national voices. She observed that the IOC’s approach shifted after sustained advocacy from countries, national bodies, sport federations, and politicians, which played a decisive role in shaping the current policy. The remarks were reported in Ilta-Sanomat.
During a March meeting of the IOC’s executive committee, the panel recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be permitted to compete under neutral status, provided they do not actively support actions that undermine Ukraine. This condition reflects a nuanced balance between inclusion and accountability, reflecting evolving sensitivities in international sport governance. The decision followed a broader IOC advisory issued at the end of February 2022, urging international federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participation to preserve the integrity of competitions during the crisis in Ukraine. This historical context helps explain the present trajectory of eligibility and neutrality rules.
In related developments, Ismet Krasniqi, the former president of the Kosovo National Olympic Committee, addressed communications to the IOC and the International Tennis Federation. He called for consequences against Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, signaling how national associations continue to press for accountability and sanctions when athletes are perceived to cross political lines. The exchanges underscore how governance bodies, athletes, and member nations interact as policy questions evolve within the Olympic movement and broader international sport.