On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia cannot participate in the Paris Olympic Games due to its alleged involvement in war crimes.
When asked about the potential participation of Russian athletes in Paris as neutral competitors, Macron stated that he hopes the decision is made based on conscience within the Olympic community. He emphasized that it is not the responsibility of the host country to dictate what actions should be taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Obviously, there cannot be the Russian flag at the Paris Games, I think there is consensus,” Macron added in his interview with L’Equipe.
“There is no place for Russia as a country at a time when it has committed war crimes when it has deported children.”
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced sanctions for many sports since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Despite the ongoing war, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that athletes from Russia and Belarus be able to participate in international sporting events as individual neutrals. However, strict conditions must be met in order for these athletes to be allowed to return to the world of sports. These conditions require them to compete under a neutral flag and provide indisputable evidence that they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine.
When asked about the potential participation of Russian athletes in Paris as neutral competitors, Macron stated that he hopes the decision is made based on conscience within the Olympic community. He emphasized that it is not the responsibility of the host country to dictate what actions should be taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Obviously, there cannot be the Russian flag at the Paris Games, I think there is consensus,” Macron added in his interview with L’Equipe.
“There is no place for Russia as a country at a time when it has committed war crimes when it has deported children.”
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced sanctions for many sports since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Despite the ongoing war, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that athletes from Russia and Belarus be able to participate in international sporting events as individual neutrals. However, strict conditions must be met in order for these athletes to be allowed to return to the world of sports. These conditions require them to compete under a neutral flag and provide indisputable evidence that they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine.
