Criticism from IOC on Russia's Friendship Games for Alleged Violation of Olympic Charter and Political Agenda

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has criticized Russia’s World Friendship Games as being “purely politically motivated” and a violation of the Olympic Charter.

The event is a multi-sport competition scheduled to take place in Moscow in September. Senior IOC Vice-President John Coates mentioned that due to the possibility of only 40 Russian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics, the Friendship Games could offer them a chance to compete.

Around 5,500 people are anticipated to take part in the Friendship Games, vying for a prize pool of 4.6 billion rubles (equivalent to about $50 million), as per information from Russian state news agency TASS.

As stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the event guarantees "free access of Russian athletes and sports organizations to international sports activities," as reported by TASS.

The IOC criticized Russia in a press release on Tuesday for breaking the rules of the Olympic Charter, ignoring UN resolutions, and showing disrespect towards athletes and the integrity of sports competitions.

Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo poses during an interview with Reuters at Paris' cityhall, France, March 13, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo poses during an interview with Reuters at Paris' cityhall, France, March 13, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

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The IOC recently stated in a press release that the Friendship Games are bypassing the sports organizations of the countries involved and not following global anti-doping standards, showing a lack of respect.

Additionally, a winter edition of the Friendship Games is set to take place in Sochi in 2026, coinciding with the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The Friendship Games started in 1984 in the Soviet Union, which was the same year that the country decided not to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics.

According to the IOC, the Olympic Movement is against any attempt to politicize sports, especially when the Russian government organizes fully politicized sports events.

In December, the IOC made a decision regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes amidst the conflict in Ukraine. They can only participate as individual neutral athletes in the upcoming Paris Games.

To be able to compete, these athletes need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Teams consisting of Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed, and those who show support for the war against Ukraine will also not be eligible.

As of Tuesday, it was still unclear if Russian and Belarusian athletes would be able to join the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

CNN reached out to the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) following the IOC's press release on Tuesday.

WADA recently shared its concerns about the Friendship Games, labeling it as an "unsanctioned event." The agency emphasized that the event will not be held in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), potentially putting athletes' health and fairness at risk.

Editor's P/S:

The IOC's condemnation of Russia's World Friendship Games reflects the ongoing tension between sports and politics. The event, seen as a politically motivated attempt to circumvent international sanctions, violates the Olympic Charter and undermines the integrity of sports. By bypassing global anti-doping standards and ignoring UN resolutions, Russia's actions not only disrespect athletes but also threaten the credibility of the Olympic Movement.

The Friendship Games, reminiscent of the 1984 Soviet boycott of the Los Angeles Olympics, further highlight the weaponization of sports for political purposes. The IOC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate as neutrals in the Paris Games, while understandable, must be balanced against the need to maintain the integrity and fairness of the competition. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the eligibility of these athletes for the Opening Ceremony underscores the complex challenges of separating sports from political agendas. competition, as it may not provide a level playing field for participants. The IOC's criticism and WADA's concerns serve as a reminder that sports should not be used as a political tool and that the integrity of competitions must be upheld.