Ireland is one of 33 nations to submit signed Government statement to IOC ahead of next year’s Paris Olympics
“The deteriorating situation of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine makes it unreasonable to seriously contemplate the return to international sports competitions of athletes from Russia and Belarus,” said Byrne.
“Pending an improved situation in Ukraine, I urge the sports movement to stay the course and continue to exclude those that are not respecting such important instruments in the international sporting landscape as the Olympic truce”. The Olympic Council of Asia has already offered to accept athletes from Russia and Belarus into their Paris Olympic qualifying events. Earlier this month, IOC president Thomas Bach said any boycott would violate the Olympic Charter and that its inclusion of Russian and Belarusians is based on a UN resolution against discrimination within the Olympic movement.
Part of the statement said: “While recognising the autonomy of sports bodies, given the invasion of Ukraine and its devastation is ongoing, we agreed that the IOC’s proposal on exploring a pathway back to competition for individual Russian and Belarusian athletes raises many questions and concerns. “We noted that the situation on the ground in Ukraine has only worsened since this statement.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tributes paid to Irish auxiliary bishop shot dead in Los Angeles yesterdayThe 69-year-old Cork man was remembered by colleagues as a ‘peacemaker’ and had served the LA community for 45 years.
Read more »
Irish dancers take solace from ‘extra precautions’ at Killarney competitionAdditional judges introduced to reassure dancers after competition-fixing allegations
Read more »
DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH BOBBY KERR | NewstalkOne restaurant in Cork banned couples from dining on Valentine's Day 💔 Listen to bobbykerr speak to the restaurant's owner now: With thanks to bankofireland
Read more »
US cancer patient mysteriously developed uncontrollable Irish brogue | Her.ieUS cancer patient mysteriously developed uncontrollable Irish brogue
Read more »
Irish gang boss Cornelius Price dies in Welsh hospital after long illnessThe mobster has been on trial in the UK over a kidnap and blackmail plot - but had been unable to attend court due to his serious illness
Read more »
Irish stars among the BAFTA winnersIrish stars Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon have won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, at the British Academy Film Awards - the BAFTAs - for their performances in The Banshees of Inisherin.
Read more »