German Judo Federation criticizes IOC recommendation for return of Russians

The German Judo Federation has expressed its clear criticism of the IOC's approach, after a lengthy discussion of re-engaging athletes from Russia and Belarus in the World Cup.
German DFB spokesman Frank Deutsche said: "The big problem is the IOC's unclear decision.
Deutsch criticised the IOC for recommending that Russian and Belarusian players be allowed to participate as neutral players, saying the IOC had "shifted responsibility".
Deutsch said there was a problem with the lack of a clear statement on the possible participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the next Olympics in Paris next year.
"This is a big difficulty in judo with the length of qualifying for the Olympics," Deutsch said, noting that Olympic qualification points are earned over two years, and that the handling of the IOC decision by international sports federations varies from sport to sport.
With the World Judo Championships kicking off in Qatar on Sunday, Russian and Belarusian players can pick up important points in the Olympic qualification process.
The International Judo Federation decided last week to allow Russian and Belarusian players to participate in the tournament under certain conditions, and this caused some criticism, and Ukraine announced its boycott of the tournament.
Deutsch said: "Our position is that of the whole German sport. We would have liked to see a different situation by not allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes, to be the beginning of a message against this war of aggression."
Deutsch said boycotting the tournament or not fighting against Russian players was not an option for Germany.
"Athletes would like to play their sport, even if they condemn the war. They have been preparing for a long time and are working towards the big goal of reaching the Olympics."