The International Federation of Athletics Federations remains in its rejection, despite the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international competitions again. "Nothing has changed in World Athletics' position," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Council of the world federation had decided last week not to allow the athletes of the two countries to participate in the meetings and title fights under his direction until further notice because of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
"As the IOC has said, the decision of admission is the responsibility of the international federations," it said. The European Athletics Federation Eaa had also decided for a further exclusion.
The German Athletics Association (DLV) is on the same line. "Even after the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee on the start of Russian and Belarusian athletes at international sporting events, we are sticking to our previous position," emphasized DLV Chairman Idriss Gonschinska. The federation could not imagine athletes from these two countries starting at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as long as there are acts of war by Russia against Ukraine.
Even European Games without Russians
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will also be excluded from participating in the third European Games in Krakow this summer. "The position of the organizing committee remains unchanged," said a spokesman for the organizers on Wednesday the dpa in Warsaw.
In October, representatives of the European Olympic Committee confirmed that athletes from these countries would not be able to participate in the Games.
The third European Games will take place from 21 June to 2 July. Delegations from around 50 countries are expected. The athletes compete in more than 25 sports and can secure qualification points for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 in some disciplines. In addition, seven non-Olympic sports are part of the program. The heart of the event is in Krakow. Further competitions will be held in neighbouring cities in the interests of sustainability.