The International Olympic Committee condemns 'a cynical attempt' by Russia 'to politicise sport' through its plans to host a 'Friendship Games'.
Russian and Belarusian athletes were widely banned from international sport following the invasion of Ukraine two years ago
The first Friendship Games were organised by the Soviet Union and eight other countries after they boycotted the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.The IOC added: "The Russian government has launched a very intensive diplomatic offensive by having government delegations and ambassadors, as well as ministerial and other governmental authorities, approaching governments around the world.
"This is a blatant violation of the Olympic Charter and an infringement of the various UN resolutions at the same time.It added the Russian government is showing "total disrespect for the global anti-doping standards and the integrity of competitions". However, athletes from both countries who have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics will be allowed to participate as neutral individuals.
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