Policy, Politics, and the Global Olympic Movement: Reactions to Russia’s Friendship Games

A cynical attempt to politicize sport

The International Olympic Committee has issued an official statement about the Friendship Games planned for September 2024 in Russia. The document argues that the event is being used to push political agendas and urges the international sports community to disregard it. The IOC frames the project as a bid by the Russian government to inject politics into sport and to recruit officials and ambassadors from multiple nations, bypassing national sports bodies in order to foreground political aims. This stance is presented as a clear breach of the Olympic Charter and several United Nations resolutions. (IOC, 2024)

The committee stresses that the Friendship Games undermine core Olympic principles and violate UN resolutions, highlighting a deliberate effort to elevate political messaging over fair competition. It notes that the Russian government has engaged in a broad diplomatic push, inviting officials and diplomats while sidestepping established sports organizations in affected countries. The IOC portrays this as a calculated move to politicize sport rather than celebrate athletic achievement. (IOC, 2024)

According to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, which represents Olympic competitors worldwide, athletes should not be used as instruments of political propaganda. The commission warns of the risk that governments could compel athletes to participate as part of a propaganda campaign, thereby weaponizing sport. The commission’s position reflects a concern that athletes could be drawn into political leverage beyond their control. (IOC Athletes’ Commission, 2024)

The organization also accuses the Russian government of disrespecting global anti-doping standards. It points to Russia’s past associations with doping programs and references the 2014 Sochi Olympic experience. The IOC notes the World Anti-Doping Agency’s concerns about hosting the Friendship Games outside the World Anti-Doping Code framework, raising questions about athlete health and the integrity of results. (WADA, 2024)

WADA’s recent statements about Russia’s September 2024 plans echo the IOC’s concerns. There is worry that the event may not adhere to the World Anti-Doping Code, potentially compromising athlete health and the authenticity of outcomes. (WADA, 2024)

The Olympic Movement has condemned any effort to politicize sport and specifically criticized what it sees as Russia’s drive to create political events under the guise of sport. It calls on all stakeholders and governments to reject involvement in or support for any initiative aimed at politicizing global competition. (IOC, 2024)

The Russian government’s aggression against me is increasing

Prior to the release of the IOC statement, president Thomas Bach spoke in an interview about the responsibilities athletes bear for actions taken by their governments. He argued that athletes should not be held accountable for government actions, while those who support such actions could face sanctions, and those who do not should retain their rights. The remarks were carried by Le Monde. (Le Monde, 2024)

Bach also expressed concern about what he described as an aggressive tone from Russian officials and noted personal pressure arising from the developing situation. He indicated that the Kremlin’s stance has become more confrontational, affecting the broader Olympic community, the Games themselves, and his own role. (IOC, 2024)

In explaining why sanctions were not placed on Israeli athletes involved in related regional tensions, Bach asserted that Israel did not violate the Olympic Charter, whereas he criticized attempts by others to extend influence in ways that disrupt the integrity of national Olympic committees. He contrasted Russia’s approach with Israel’s conduct, emphasizing differences in charter compliance. (IOC, 2024)

It’s surprising to hear such shameful words from Bach

Dmitry Svishchev, chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports and president of the Russian Curling Federation, reacted strongly to Bach and the IOC’s statements. He told a Russia-based outlet that he was taken aback by what he called the organization’s attitude and leadership. (Svishchev, 2024)

Svishchev argued that the IOC president and the movement’s leaders should support athletic competitions across sports and levels, rather than framing Russia’s activities as a threat to the Olympic ethos. He claimed the events in question are not a substitute for the Olympic Games and pointed out that some disciplines involved are non-Olympic as well. He described the IOC’s stance as potentially provocative and, at times, as attempts to intimidate athletes and federations, which he labeled as discriminatory based on nationality. (Svishchev, 2024)

He urged Bach to engage directly with Russian officials to resolve the matter and warned that the IOC risked becoming a punitive body detached from the genuine development of Olympism. The speaker also criticized the portrayal of Russia’s anti-doping efforts as backward, asserting that Russia has changed its approach over time and remains in ongoing dialogue with RUSADA and WADA. (Svishchev, 2024)

If we solve some problems with WADA, others will emerge

The parliamentarian discussed ongoing steps to restore RUSADA’s compliance with WADA rules, noting that new requirements could surface once current issues are resolved. He described meetings with WADA’s leadership and stated that a new law would soon come into force to address these concerns. He emphasized that Russia has engaged constructively to rebuild the anti-doping framework and that the broader global doping landscape remains a challenge for every country. (Svishchev, 2024)

Looking at 2023, he argued that Russia was not among the top nations by doping incidents and stressed that doping is a worldwide problem rather than a Russian anomaly. He asserted that Russia detects and disciplines athletes caught using banned substances and highlighted the ongoing investigation into the Kamila Valieva case as part of broader accountability efforts. He dismissed accusations that the government supports doping as unfounded and dismissed them as misrepresentations. (Svishchev, 2024)