With the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine two years ago, the IOC first recommended banning athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus from international competitions, but then allowed them to attend qualifying events in search of a ticket to the Parisian event as neutrals.

However, each qualified athlete is subject to a vetting process by a three-member panel appointed by the IOC to verify that they meet certain eligibility criteria, such as not having actively supported Russia’s actions in Ukraine and not having been recruited. by any military or security organization. “The selection process is ongoing,” said spokesman for the world’s top sports organization, Mark Adams.

“I can’t give you the exact time frame. The reason it’s taking so long is that we’re doing it very, very thoroughly (…) We need to get information from a lot of people. So the process has to be done correctly,” he added.

The IOC has already announced that it expects to see some 36 Russian and 22 Belarusian athletes as neutrals in the tournament under the five rings in Paris, scheduled for July 26 to August 11.

On another point, the organization supported the decision of the Future Host Commission and will request in July, in the Olympic assembly, a vote in favor of granting the 2030 Winter Games to the French Alps and the 2034 Winter Games to the American city of Salt Lake City.

However, the Executive Commission issued a warning about the Alpine candidacy, related to the political situation in France before the call for legislative elections.

The decision to propose this region as a venue depends on the provision of a guarantee of holding the Games by the French Government and the confirmation of a public contribution to the organization budget by the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes. -Costa Azul and the highest authorities of the country.

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