Amidst the mounting excitement for the Paris Olympics, a cloud of controversy also looms overhead. Tensions between the International Olympic Committee and Russian and Belarusian athletes have been simmering ever since the decision was made that, beginning on July 26, 2024, these athletes would compete as neutrals at the Paris Olympics, stripped of their flags and anthems, and omitted from the opening parade.

Recently, Russia leveled accusations against International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, alleging his involvement in a “conspiracy” with Ukraine. Adding further fuel to the fire, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a scathing indictment of Olympic leadership, accusing them of tarnishing the very essence of the Olympic Movement.

Maria Zakharova fires back at the International Olympic Committee leadership

As reported by The Gazette, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has leveled accusations against Thomas Bach of harming international sports and going against Olympic principles. They believe Bach is involved in a conspiracy with Ukraine to exclude Russian athletes, who are strong contenders in the games.

She told reporters at her weekly briefing, “All this demands deep, thorough analysis, study and investigation. Because people like Thomas Bach discredit world sport, they discredit the Olympic movement.” The question arises: how did this alleged conspiracy originate in the first place?

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Why did the alleged conspiracy begin?

In March 2024, the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, found himself ensnared in a conversation with Russian pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, better known as Vovan and Lexus. Bach, under the guise of speaking with an individual from Africa, mentioned that the IOC had asked Ukraine for information on Russian athletes who made political statements supporting their government.

This was to prevent these athletes from participating in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Thomas Bach was heard saying, “We have also offered to the Ukrainian side – not only offered, but asked them – to provide us with their knowledge of the behaviour of such (Russian) athletes or officials,” according to Reuters.

Maria Zakharova has since called for a thorough investigation into the matter, stressing the need to scrutinize Bach’s relationship with the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and its officials, as well as his admissions regarding the monitoring of Russian athletes. With the Paris Olympics less than 115 days away, these updates have further stirred tensions and questions. What are your thoughts regarding the matter? Comment below!

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