Olympic hosts Italy has called for a reversal of its decision to allow 10 Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with national flags and anthems at next month’s Paralympic Games.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi urged the International Paralympic Committee to reconsider its stance on Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine, saying on Thursday it was contrary to the Olympic spirit.
The Italian government expressed its “absolute disagreement” with the IPC’s decision in September, it said in a statement late Wednesday night, adding that Rome’s position echoed that of 33 other countries and the European Commission.
“Russia’s continued violation of the truce and of the Olympic and Paralympic ideals upheld by Belarus is incompatible with the participation of their athletes in the Games, with the exception of neutral individual athletes,” the statement said.
The Russian embassy in Italy said it was unacceptable to target athletes with disabilities. “The tough and undiplomatic stance taken by two Italian politicians, backed by the authority of the government they represent, is offensive and deserves widespread condemnation,” the telegram said.