IOC urges sports bodies to move or cancel Russia, Belarus events

The International Olympic Committee is calling on all sports federations to move or cancel sports events set to be held in Russia or Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

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“The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee reiterated today the IOC’s strong condemnation of the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian government and the government of Belarus through its support in this,” according to a statement issued by the committee.

Russian invasion broke truce

The IOC added that the groups “should take the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarusian governments into account and give the safety and security of the athletes absolute priority.”

The Olympic Truce began seven days before the start of the Winter Games on Feb. 4, 2022, and will end seven days after the closing of he Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held on March 13.

Russia attacked Ukraine only four days after the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, thus violating the truce.

The IOC says they have a task force that is communicating with the Olympic community in Ukraine to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the area.

No Russian nor Belarus symbols

The committee is also urging countries to refrain from displaying the Russian or Belarusian national flag or playing their anthems in international sporting events.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already caused the UEFA to move the Champions League final from St. Petersburg to suburban Paris, the International Ski Federation to cancel or move World Cup skiing events set to take place in Russia, and the cancellation of September’s Grand Prix at the Sochi Olympic Park.

Russia last broke the Olympic Truce in 2014, when it annexed Crimea after the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Prior to that, they invaded Georgia while the 2008 Beijing Summer Games were being held.