Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke to Sports Express about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Friendship Games slated for Moscow and Yekaterinburg in 2024. She asserted that the IOC’s attempts to cast doubt on the event have backfired, and that public criticism from what she called biased and unscrupulous officials has turned the IOC into a punch line for world sport.
In late February 2022, the IOC advised international sports federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing, citing the unfolding situation in Ukraine. By October 12, the IOC had suspended the Russian Olympic Committee until further notice, a move prompted by the inclusion of several regional Olympic councils in Russia. The decision followed the integration of the Olympic Councils in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, under Moscow’s administrative umbrella.
The Friendship Games 2024 are planned to take place in Russia in September of the coming year. Athletes from Russia and abroad will be invited to take part, with competition in a number of Olympic disciplines on the schedule. The organizers intend to create a platform that tests sporting excellence while navigating the political dimensions that accompany the event.
Earlier, the Friendship Games Organizing Committee rejected the IOC’s accusations, emphasizing the event’s aim to showcase athletic talent across borders and foster international sport amid a tense geopolitical climate. The committee stressed that participation would be open to athletes who meet the eligibility standards, regardless of political considerations, and would highlight the resilience of the global sporting community in sustaining competitive opportunities for athletes.
Observers note that the dialogue between Moscow and international sporting authorities remains complex. Supporters of the Friendship Games argue that the event could serve as a bridge for athletes who seek to compete at a high level while sports officials reassess eligibility rules in light of changing diplomatic realities. Critics, meanwhile, question how political tensions may influence judging, participation, and the broader perception of fairness in sport. The situation underscores how governance of sport intersects with international relations and national policy in a modern era where events can carry significance beyond competition alone. In this context, the 2024 Friendship Games are positioned not only as a sporting event but as a case study in how athletic collaboration persists amidst dispute.