OVER 30 NATIONS QUESTION IOC PLAN

Group calls for rethink on move to allow Russian, Belarusian athletes in Olympics

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LONDON - More than 30 countries, including the United States, Britain and France, on Monday pledged their support for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in international events, said the British government.

The move increases the pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is keen to avoid the 2024 Paris Olympics being torn asunder by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Monday's statement follows recent proposals from the IOC which suggest a pathway is being explored to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition as neutrals, including at the Paris Games.

"There are serious concerns about how feasible it is for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete on a neutral basis given they are directly funded and supported by their states," said the British government statement.