The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has emphatically distanced itself from the Ukrainian government’s criticism of the IOC. The Ukrainian government on Monday accused the IOC of promoting “war, murder and destruction”. That criticism followed the news that the IOC is considering admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus under a neutral flag to the Olympic Games.
“The IOC rejects these and other defamatory statements in the strongest possible terms,” the sports umbrella organization told Reuters news agency. “Ukraine’s criticism does not serve as a basis for constructive discussion. The IOC will therefore not comment further.”
On Monday, adviser Michailo Podoljak to President Volodimir Zelensky sought attention on Twitter. “The IOC is delighted to watch as the Russian federation destroys Ukraine, providing a platform for Russia to promote its genocide and encouraging continued killing,” Podoljak wrote. He addressed IOC President Thomas Bach directly with a cynical remark. “The Russian money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn’t seem to have the smell of Ukrainian blood. Does it, Mr. Bach?”
Bach said last week that it is not part of the Olympic charter to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus. The IOC is investigating whether athletes from those countries can still participate in the Games under a neutral flag and with all kinds of conditions.
Source: ANP
