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We'll apply efforts to not allow a single 'z-patriot' to enter international sports arenas – Gutzeit
KYIV. March 29 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Youth and Sports Minister of Ukraine Vadym Gutzeit, who is the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, has said that the Ukrainian authorities continue to work to ensure that Russian and Belarusian athletes who support the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine do not take part in international sports competitions.
“The IOC [International Olympic Committee] has issued a recommendation for international sports federations, which want to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete, to consider this issue only on the basis of individual performances of athletes. Russians and Belarusians will not compete in team sports. The updated recommendations prohibit the admission of athletes and functionaries from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, supporting the war, military personnel or law enforcement officers. It is also prohibited to use any color of the Russian and Belarusian flags in the venues of competitions, the stay of athletes, staff, and spectators,” the press service of the Sports Ministry quoted Gutzeit as saying.
According to the minister, any statements in support of the war are also prohibited before, during or after the competition, as well as within the framework of communication with journalists.
In addition, national symbols, including emblems of the NOCs and national federations, are prohibited.
According to Gutzeit, these rules apply, first of all, to those federations that have already decided to allow Russians to participate in international competitions.
“We focused on many of these aspects when communicating with the international sports community. Taking them into account is an important step. Now we will continue to work in the same direction so that the international federations that are still considering this issue do not change their position. And we will also apply joint efforts so that not a single z-patriot enters the international sports arena,” he said.
As reported, on March 28, the International Olympic Committee recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes participate in international competitions individually under a neutral flag.