"Immediately": IOC President threatens Russians with disqualification from the 2024 Olympics

Russian athletes will face a harsh reaction from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) if they violate the rules of admission to the competition. In particular, representatives of the Russian Federation will face immediate disqualification for demonstrating symbols of aggression against Ukraine.

This was stated by IOC President Thomas Bach in an interview with France 24. The official reiterated that Russia had grossly violated the Olympic Charter when the local national committee included the annexed regions of Ukraine in its membership, which was one of the main reasons for the sanctions.

"Any Russian athlete who expresses political views, including the Z sign, which has become a symbol of war, may be excluded. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated immediately and the necessary measures or sanctions will be taken. This may include immediate exclusion from the Games," Bach said.

Earlier, legendary hockey goalkeeper Dominik Hasek criticized the IOC for allowing Russian athletes to compete in the 2024 Olympics. "Allowing Russian athletes to compete in the Olympics is like sending them a thousand airplanes, tanks, or even more," the Czech said.

As a reminder, Russian athletes can compete at the Paris Games in a so-called neutral status and only in individual events.

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