"Today's decision was made following long consultations based on the Olympic Charter and our mission. The charter speaks of the unifying role of sport and political neutrality," Bach said at a news conference.
On March 28, the IOC recommended that international federations allow Russians who did not support the SVO as neutral athletes to the starts. At the same time, the organization proposes not to allow athletes associated with the armed forces and security agencies to compete. It was also decided that teams from Russia and Belarus cannot be considered as participants in international competitions.
Earlier, Bach said that the decision on the admission of athletes to international competitions should be made on a sporting basis.