The International Olympic Committee (IOC) describes Russia’s reaction to the ban on its athletes from the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony as “extremely aggressive.”
The International Olympic Committee reported that its president, Thomas Bach, has faced personal attacks in addition to Russia’s strong response.
On Tuesday, the IOC announced the ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Games in Paris.
Russia has expressed criticism towards the IOC, with the country’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accusing the IOC of “descending into racism and neo-Nazism.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were barred from competing under their respective national flags. However, they are permitted to participate in the Games as neutrals, meaning they cannot display their flags, emblems, or anthems.
Zakharova said adopting neutral status forced athletes to “renounce any association with their homeland, with their citizenship, with their history, culture and people”.
“The IOC’s decisions are wrongful, unjust and unacceptable,” she added.
But Bach responded: “There are more quotes coming from Russia which are extremely aggressive.”
IOC spokesman Mark Adams also added: “We have seen some very aggressive statements out of Russia today. One comment goes beyond that. Linking the president, his nationality and the Holocaust is unacceptable and reaches a new low.”
“Everybody who is following the rules is welcome in the Olympic movement,” said Bach.
“From the moment the Russian Olympic Committee follow the rules they are welcome. The ball is in their court.”