Overview

• Russia has been accused of politicizing sport by planning to host 'Friendship Games' shortly after the Paris Olympics, a move criticized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
• Russian and Belarusian athletes will not participate in the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, competing as neutrals without national symbols due to the war in Ukraine.
• The IOC has criticized Russia's aggressive response to the ban of its athletes from the opening parade and personal attacks on IOC President Thomas Bach.
• Russian government's plans for the Friendship Games are seen as a direct challenge to the Olympic movement, with the IOC urging governments and sports organizations to reject participation.
• The IOC has established a vetting process for Russian and Belarusian athletes, focusing on neutrality and non-support for the war in Ukraine.