Neutral flag? Belarus 'could face Olympic sanctions' over allegations of political discrimination against athletes
The Belarusian national sports team could be penalized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is investigating allegations of political discrimination against athletes who don’t support President Alexander Lukashenko.
IOC head Thomas Bach voiced concerns over the situation after receiving multiple reports of alleged discrimination against athletes in the country for their political views.
The IOC, which is investigating the claims of unfair treatment and abuse of Belarusian athletes, has warned the country it might face severe sanctions if the allegations are proven to be true.
Banning the Belarusian national flag from the Tokyo Games is reportedly seen as one of the sanctions which could be imposed by the IOC.
“In the last couple of weeks, we have received various worrying reports through individual athletes’ letters and the media on the possible politically motivated interference by the National Olympic Committee or its member federations,” Bach said.
Also on rt.com 'Long live Belarus!' CSKA striker Ilya Shkurin REFUSES to represent Belarus until president Alexander Lukashenko steps down“We are very concerned about the information we are getting. This is why we are looking into it and we will strengthen our investigation, because here what we are hearing... is that in fact athletes are saying that they are discriminated by their NOC just for political reasons. Non-discrimination is an essential value of the Olympic Movement and of the Olympic Charter, and this is why we are so concerned, and this is why we are taking it so seriously,” he added.
The Belarusian Olympic Committee – which is headed by Lukashenko – denied the allegations, outlining that athletes will be selected for next summer’s Games strictly in accordance with results displayed at major events.
Belarus has been engulfed by large-scale protests since the presidential election in August, which saw Lukashenko claim a sixth term with 80 percent of the vote.
