The Embassy of the Russian Federation criticized the Swiss NOC’s stance on the non-admission of Russian athletes.

ZURICH, 31 March – RIA Novosti. The Russian embassy in Bern said the Swiss National Olympic Committee (NOC), which has called for athletes from Russia and Belarus not to be allowed to participate in international competitions, used a “prohibited technique” to eliminate strong competitors.

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive committee recommended that international federations allow Russians who do not support the CBO to begin as neutral athletes. Eligibility criteria will be determined by the International Federations. According to the recommendations of the IOC, they should especially take into account the public statements of the athletes, their participation in the rallies, the display of symbols supporting the CBO.

A day later, the Swiss Olympic Committee announced that the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions should be excluded.

The Embassy also emphasized that as a result of such statements by sports officials, an environment of persecution was created against athletes on national and political grounds, and the idea of ​​fair competition and competitiveness in sports disappeared. The diplomatic mission also noted that Russia supports the equal development of sports cooperation, fair and fair competitions.

“Russia will make every effort to provide Russian athletes who have devoted their lives to sports and are preparing to fight for the world championship, an equal opportunity to participate in international competitions, including their own tricolor. We will continue with the Olympic calm. Let’s take care of our place,” the statement said. .