IOC puts trust at risk by seeking ways to allow Russia to compete at Olympics, EU official tells AP
The country currently in charge of the European Union's presidency says a boycott of next year's Paris Olympics is not on the table
By SAMUEL PETREQUIN
Published - May 15, 2023, 10:01 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 21, 2023, 07:38 PM EDT
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's presidency urged the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from next year's Paris Games, yet said Monday a boycott by the 27-nation bloc is not on the table.
Swedish sports minister Jakob Forssmed told The Associated Press the IOC should reconsider its position to let Russians and Belarusians compete as neutral athletes in sporting events despite the war in Ukraine.
Sweden holds the EU presidency until July. Being in office allows a member nation to help set the EU’s tone and the bloc's agenda.
Asked whether EU nations should use the threat of a collective boycott to pressure the IOC to backpedal, Forssmed said that option is not being discussed right now.
