ANOC endorses IOC statement on solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the status of athletes from these countries

ANOC has issued the following statement in support of the IOC Executive Board statement on solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the status of athletes from these countries.

ANOC fully supports the unifying mission of the Olympic Movement and welcomes the current consultation, led by the IOC, on how this mission can be fulfilled particularly during these times of division, confrontation and war. We share the firm belief within the Olympic Movement that athletes should not be prevented from competing on the basis of the passport they hold and that a pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition under strict conditions should be explored. We recognise this is a sensitive matter and that this pathway and the strict conditions under which eligible athletes would be able to compete needs to be very carefully considered. We trust in the IOC to lead in this process in consultation with the IFs and the NOC family and we are grateful for the ongoing contributions of the Continental Associations.

ANOC continues to stand in solidarity with the Olympic community and NOC of Ukraine and applauds the support provided by NOCs, Continental Associations and IFs to ensure the Ukrainian athletes can continue to train and participate in international events.