It is not in line with the values and mission of the Olympic Charter to exclude athletes because of their passport — President of the International Olympic Committee

Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee President, commented on the likelihood of athletes from Russia and Belarus returning to international sport.

According to Bach, Russians and Belarusians could compete under a neutral flag at the 2024 Olympics. 

"The IOC's mission is to bring together athletes from all over the world; it's a special symbol of the Olympics," Bach said.

On January 25, the International Olympic Committee proposed to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag. 

Ukraine opposed allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The President of Ukraine also criticised the decision of the International Olympic Committee to consider the possibility of Russian athletes participating under a neutral flag. 

"Any neutral flag of Russian athletes is stained with blood," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Photo: DPA