IOC Denounces Russia’s ‘Friendship Games’ as Politically Motivated
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strongly criticized Russia’s proposal to host a ‘Friendship Games,’ denouncing it as a “cynical attempt” to politicize sport. Russia intends to organize the event in September this year, with plans for a winter Games in 2026. However, the IOC has rebuked this initiative, asserting that it flagrantly contravenes the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
The concept of Friendship Games traces back to the Soviet Union’s response to the boycott of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where they organized a similar event involving eight other nations. The IOC’s condemnation of Russia’s current endeavor is underscored by the country’s ongoing suspension from the Olympics following its invasion of Ukraine.
The IOC has lambasted Russia’s diplomatic efforts to garner support for the Friendship Games, characterizing them as a brazen circumvention of sports organizations in targeted countries. This tactic, according to the IOC, not only flouts the Olympic Charter but also contravenes various UN resolutions, portraying a blatant politicization of sport by the Russian government.
Moreover, the IOC has criticized Russia’s disregard for global anti-doping standards and the integrity of competitions, citing it as evidence of the country’s insensitivity towards fair play. Despite the bans imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sport post the Ukraine invasion, those who qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics will be permitted to compete as neutral individuals, albeit without national symbols.
The IOC has expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of athletes in the proposed Friendship Games for political propaganda purposes, emphasizing the undue pressure they may face. Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has raised alarms about the absence of protection under the World Anti-Doping Code for the Friendship Games, warning of risks to the health and fairness of participating athletes.
In light of these criticisms and concerns raised by both the IOC and WADA, Russia’s attempt to orchestrate the Friendship Games stands condemned as an egregious politicization of sport, jeopardizing the fundamental principles of fair competition and athlete welfare.
