EU Commission concerned over IOC decision allowing Russians back into competition

The European Commission has expressed concern over a recent International Olympic Committee decision that creates conditions for Russian athletes to return to competition.

Asked about the IOC's recent decisions, European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said they cannot but cause concern.

"We view these developments with serious concern. The heads of state and government in the meeting of European Council on 18 June stated the following: as long as there is no just and lasting peace in Ukraine, there should not be a 'normalisation' of Russia's participation in international sporting and cultural events. The Commission fully supports this position," Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said.

At the end of June, the IOC amended the Olympic Charter in ways that could facilitate Russia's return to international sport and on 7 July decided to temporarily reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee's rights.

This decision has already sparked a wave of negative reactions from the sporting community and relevant officials.