For the first time since the Russian invasion, the Olympic Committees from both Russia and Belarus had been invited to attend the European Olympic Committee (EOC) seminar in Olympia, Greece.

However, there was no Russian participation on Friday, while the Belarusian committee was present via link.

At the opening of the meeting, EOC chairman Spyros Capralos stated that all political statements were "strictly prohibited", but when the floor was later opened, SOK's (Swedish Olympic Committee) director of operations Peter Reinebo chose to protest against the invitation of Russia and Belarus.

- We think it is the wrong decision to let them participate in this seminar, Reinebo said according to Inside the Games.

Can lift the ban

Recently, several international sports federations have opened up to allowing Russians to compete again.

Last week, information came that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was also considering lifting the ban on the two ported countries.

And in an interview on Friday with Italy's Corriere della Sera, IOC President Thomas Bach spoke openly for the first time about welcoming back Russian athletes who do not support the war.

- We have to start thinking about the future, said Bach.

During Friday's seminar with the member countries of EOK, Peter Reinebo, in a joint statement from all the Nordic countries' committees, would insist that it would be unacceptable to allow Russia and Belarus to participate as long as the war in Ukraine continues.

Then Reinebo was interrupted by Spyros Capralos.

- We were very clear that the decision about their participation here was taken by the IOC, also regarding Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and all other things related to politics we will not discuss, said Capralos.

Supported by the Netherlands

Even one of Ukraine's representatives on the spot is said to have then tried to express the country's disappointment, only for her to be stopped.

Then the Dutch representative chose to vent his displeasure at the fact that both Sweden and Ukraine were silenced at the meeting.

- I must express my deep disappointment that the Nordic countries and Ukraine are not allowed to express their opinion at this seminar, said André Cats, technical director of the Netherlands Olympic Committee.

The statement should have then led to widespread applause in the meeting hall.