World Athletics Federation, which was most hardline against Russia, may ease sanctions
Sebastian Coe, President of the World Association of Athletics Federations
Sebastian Coe (Great Britain), president of the World Association of Athletics Federations, said, “Russian and Belarusian athletes are still subject to a ban from international competitions,” but added, “I don’t know how the world will change in five minutes. Paris. “Who knows what changes will occur ahead of the Olympics?”
The World Association of Athletics Federations is the sports organization that has taken the toughest measures against Russia.
That’s why foreign media is paying attention to Chairman Ko’s remarks.
Reuters, AFP, etc. reported on the 19th (Korean time) that “Chairman Ko made his first ‘hopeful statement’ regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian track and field in the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
At the press conference that day, Chairman Ko said, “We still maintain strong sanctions (banning them from international competitions) against Russia and Belarus. I think the autonomy and independence of sports federations are important. Our federation resolves all issues.” “We have resolved this in a way that is helpful to the development of athletics,” he said.
It was a remark that emphasized the strong measures taken by the athletics federation even after many sports federations lifted sanctions against Russia.
However, Chairman Ko said, “The world changes all the time. There are times when we have to keep up with the changes, too.” He added, “We have a working group that monitors major decisions in world sports. This working group helps our federation make policy decisions. He also left open the ‘possibility of change’ by saying, “I give it to you.”
Reuters commented, “Chairman Koh, who was the head of the most hard-line federation on sanctions against Russia, gave off a different vibe than before.”
On the 9th, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held an executive committee meeting and confirmed and approved the criteria for participation in the Paris Olympics for athletes from Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February last year, and Belarus, a supporter of the invasion.
Athletes from both countries are classified as ‘individual athletes’ and cannot use their country’s national flag or national anthem, and cannot participate in team competitions.
Additionally, players must have no connection to their country’s military activities, such as active military personnel, and must not express support for the war in Ukraine. 토토사이트