Dangerous to Athletes’ Life, Russia Lands in Trouble With IOC Over Unsanctioned Games Ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, the International Olympic Committee has put forth a few new principles. IOC stands resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the core principle of political neutrality in sports. “The mission of the IOC is to promote Olympism throughout the world and to lead the Olympic Movement. The IOC’s role is: (…) to oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes.” Olympics Charter puts.

However, the recent actions by the Russian government to organize politically motivated sports events have drawn condemnation, as they contravene the spirit of the Olympic movement and defy resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly.

IOC declaration condemning politicization of sports sparks debate

Recently, Christian Klaue posted on X, about the “Declaration by the IOC against the politicisation of sport. The IOC reaffirms its strong position against the politicisation of sport.” It all came after recent endeavors by the Russian government’s establishment of the “International Friendship Association” (IFA) to host the “Summer Friendship Games” and “Winter Friendship Games” to represent a brazen attempt to politicize sports.

By circumventing sports organizations and engaging in a diplomatic offensive delegation, the Russian government seeks to instrumentalize athletics for political ends. Such actions not only violate the Olympic Charter but also undermine the autonomy of sports and disregard UN resolutions affirming the principles of the Olympic movement. But the concerns didn’t even end here.

WADA raises red flag over Russia’s friendship games plan before Paris Olympics

Furthermore, the IOC continues to disregard global anti-doping standards and the integrity of sporting competitions, perpetuating a pattern of disrespect for fair play. The systematic doping program run during the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the later tampering of anti-doping data are prime examples of this.  Also, the World Anti-Doping Agency expressed, “ongoing concerns about Russia’s plans to stage the Friendship Games, an unsanctioned event, in September 2024…. under the protection of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the health of and fairness for athletes may be compromised.

Thye further added, “WADA urges all Code Signatories to exercise caution and not legitimize this event as the Agency cannot vouch for the anti-doping program that may or may not be in place.”Amidst Russia’s National Anti-Doping Agency falling short of compliance with the Code and the absence of WADA-accredited laboratories within its borders, confidence in Russia’s anti-doping endeavors dwindles significantly. Consequently, WADA advocates for caution among all involved parties, advising against endorsing the Friendship Games, as the agency cannot guarantee the implementation of a credible anti-doping regime.

Read More: Banned From Paris, Russia Is Planning It’s Own ‘Olympics’- Here’s What We Know