Athletes’ representative Maximilian Klein fears a dilemma for many athletes if Russia’s top athletes are paved the way back into world sport despite the war of aggression against Ukraine.
“The associations from democratic countries would then have to work together to ensure that they have no disadvantages. First of all, however, it is important that they prevent re-admission and remain steadfast,” Klein told the “SID”.
The International Olympic Committee is pushing ahead with efforts to reintegrate the previously excluded athletes from Russia and Belarus into world sport. IOC President Thomas Bach welcomes the “creative initiative” of the Asian Olympic Committees to open the competitions under certain sanctions.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior adjusted the guidelines after the invasion of Ukraine, and trips by German athletes to competitions with Russian and Belarusian participants are no longer funded. In this way, German associations should be obliged to campaign internationally for the exclusion of athletes from both warring parties.
Associations “must exert pressure”
Klein also relies on the responsibility of the associations for the protection of their athletes – albeit at an international level. “You have to exert pressure and, in cases of hardship, promote boycotts of such events. Western states and sponsors should do the same,” said the representative for sports policy and strategy at the independent association Athletes Germany.
In addition, Klein criticizes the sole focus on the assets. “The discussion must be extended to the officials, associations and NOCs from Russia and Belarus, the appropriation of sport by Russia must be dealt with,” he said, speaking of “system failure”.
The status of neutral athletes, without a flag, colors and anthem, proved to be ineffective after the Russian doping scandal, Klein said. The IOC knows very well that Vladimir Putin uses athletes with or without a neutral flag for his propaganda purposes.
The IOC discussed the resumption under these sanctions on Friday, a decision or at least a recommendation to the world associations is still pending.