Andrei

Further signs that @iocmedia President Kirsty Coventry is preparing to lift the ban on Russia and Belarus imposed after the invasion of Ukraine four years ago has come with her speech today at the @europeanunion Sports Summit in Paphos, Cyprus. "Athletes can only inspire us if they are able to compete," Coventry said in a video message to delegates. "They can only do so if we keep sport strictly neutral ground. If politics does not take over on the field of play. For all of us, this means that we must protect the autonomy of sport. "So that we can tell all the athletes, no matter where they come from: yes, you can compete freely, without political interference beyond your control. "I call on the EU and its Member States to stand by these principles that you have recognised so often: respect the autonomy of sport and support the political neutrality of the IOC and of the Olympic Games. Because only then can the power of sport truly unfold." As I wrote in this article for the #ZeusFiles, the participation of Russian and Belarussian athletes in the @Olympics at @LA28 could be discussed at the next IOC Executive Board meeting due to take place in Lausanne on May 4 to 6. @OlympicUA @Olympic_Russia