adminLONDON. — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated it hopes that the British Government “will respect the autonomy of sport” after its Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer wrote to sponsors urging them to back a ban on Russia and Belarus.
Frazer penned a letter to members of the IOC’s Olympic Partner (TOP) programme outlining the British Government’s concerns over the two nations’ participation in international sport.
“It is not up to Governments to decide which athletes can participate in which international competitions,” read an IOC statement.
“This would be the end of world sport as we know it today.
“We hope very much that the British government will respect the autonomy of sport, which it has emphasised in so many decisions, statements and UN resolutions.”
The global governing body has cited the latest United Nations (UN) resolution in its argument.
The motion was adopted during the UN General Assembly last December and supports the independence and autonomy of sport as well as the mission of the International Olympic Committee in leading the Olympic Movement.
The IOC is adamant that the decision of which athletes can take part in international competitions should be solely down to sports organisations and based exclusively on sporting merit. — Insidethegames
Online Reporter