The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) considers a return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions to be premature, but does not want to rule them out within a strictly regulated framework.
“From our point of view“said DOSB CEO Torsten Burmester in an interview on the association’s website “Not the right time yet” came for re-admission.
As a reason for the current rejection of the DOSB as the highest German sports organization, Burmester stated that the “Warlike actions intensified in the past few weeks” would have “especially the attacks on the civilian population”.
“The essence of sport is to build bridges”
However, like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he also opened the door for a possible return of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
“The essence of sport is to build bridges, the mission of the Olympic Movement is to bring people together in peaceful competition”, stressed Burmester. In addition, “that in other parts of the world the current situation is assessed differently”.
IOC is examining the re-admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes
In a so-called consultation call by the IOC on January 19, a majority of the National Olympic Committees therefore spoke out in favor of examining a re-admission.
Burmester emphasized that the DOSB had its position in the call “Clearly Expressed” and informed “that we can only imagine a re-admission, should it be decided, under very strict conditions”.
War supporters should remain consistently excluded
Something like that “genuine neutrality guaranteed”so it should “really no flags, national symbols or colors are worn and anthems are played”. It remains to be seen how this can be guaranteed.
In the opinion of the DOSB, it should also be ensured that athletes from Russia and Belarus are excluded, “who actively support the war”. The question of doping tests and the possibility of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris must also be clarified.
