The battle of words continues between Lausanne and Moscow. The latest verbal exchange does not concern the Paris 2024 Games and the conditions imposed on neutral athletes, but the new bone of contention between the IOC and Russia: the Friendship Games. The general director of the organizing committee of the multisport event, scheduled for September 15 to 29 in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, reacted with a certain calm to the press release from the Olympic body, published Tuesday March 19, asking the movement Olympic Games not to send athletes due to Russia's desire to " politicize sport ». Alexey Sorokin explained this to the media: “ Those who did not intend to come will not come, but those who are interested in the sport will still come. We try to explain to everyone what it is. This is a commercial competition and we look forward to welcoming good athletes to make the competition real. The bonuses are attractive and there is no political motive, so we see no danger problem”. James McLeod, director of relations with national Olympic committees at the IOC, suggested this week at a press conference that there could be sanctions against athletes who travel to Russia to participate in the Olympic Games. friendship.
