sports policy
DOSB: Despite Russia’s opposition, good contact with the IOC
Thomas Weikert is the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). photo
© Uli Deck/dpa
The German Olympic Sports Confederation does not see the good contact with the IOC clouded by the rejection of Russia’s return to the world stage.
DOSB President Thomas Weikert is convinced that Germany’s refusal to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to the world stage will not tarnish relations with the International Olympic Committee.
“Good partnerships can also withstand different opinions,” said the head of the German Olympic Sports Confederation of the German Press Agency. “It’s not an issue for us.” He still has good contact with IOC President Thomas Bach, with whom he spoke before the DOSB statement was made: “I think that’s simply accepted at the IOC level.”
In view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the DOSB not only rejected a return to Russia, but also had a legal opinion drawn up. This does not see an exclusion of the two countries “from a human rights point of view as a violation”.
The IOC, on the other hand, relies on the assessment of UN experts, who see a denial of approval on the basis of nationality as discrimination.
“We spoke to the national associations, the top associations and the athletes before the decision was made. We will also follow together how the IOC’s decision is now being implemented by the world associations,” said Weikert. Since some qualifications for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are already underway, it will “be difficult overall”.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has criticized the IOC decision, but will give the German athletes full support on their way to Paris. “The BMI knows that this is an international decision. We now want to take part in all qualifying competitions for the Paris Games with all associations,” said Weikert.
Despite the controversy and the expected clashes between Russians and Belarusians and Ukrainians in competitions, the DOSB President is confident that the athletes will be able to withstand the additional pressure. “It’s stressful, but there have been several situations in the past that were stressful,” said Weikert.
Information on the IOC meeting DOSB tweet DOSB position and legal opinion