IOC Criticizes Russia's 'Friendship Games' Amid Olympic Dispute

The International Olympic Committee has accused Russia of politicizing sport by planning 'Friendship Games' shortly after the Paris Olympics, amidst tensions over athlete participation.

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.