The protest may occur if Russia is allowed to take part in the 2024 Games, the former official says
If Russia is granted permission to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, it could lead to a widespread boycott of the prestigious event by Western nations, former IOC member Gerhard Heiberg has said.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced several restrictions in international sports for much of the past year since the beginning of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine following a decree by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which was adopted by several other sporting federations across the globe.
However, the IOC last month signaled that it was exploring the possibility of reinstating both nations back into the international fold ahead of qualification events for Paris 2024, many of which are due to begin in the coming weeks.
The IOC stated that it was investigating proposals which would “facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in competitions in Asia under its authority, while respecting the sanctions in place” – but Heiberg, a Norwegian industrialist who was a high ranking member of the IOC for 23 years, says it is “far too early” for such considerations.
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“The plan to devise acceptable conditions for inclusion of Russian athletes is far too early,” he said.
“Ukraine’s allies, indeed all of Europe, are wholly justified in their concern. More information is needed on Putin and his military leaders [who are] still formidably aggressive.