“We athletes are today hostages in a big political game that is dividing the sports community. The International Olympic Committee’s plan is an overreaction,” said a statement from the Russian Sports Committee.
It is just over 15 months until the Summer Olympics in Paris – an important goal for many suspended Russian athletes.
Russia and Belarus are, with the exception of some sports, banned from international competition due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The IOC recommended in January that international federations should allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete again. In that case, it must take place under clear conditions, such as a neutral flag. An athlete must also not have any connections with the military or security authorities in Russia.
The IOC’s opening has been met with harsh criticism from the countries in the West.