The IOC called on athletes to refuse participation in the Friendship Games in Russia

The International Olympic Committee called on athletes, sports federations and governments not to participate in the Friendship Games, which are planned to be held in Russia. The organization called the competition “a cynical attempt to politicize sports.”

The statement says that the games are organized by the Russian government for “exclusively political purposes.” It is claimed that Moscow has launched “an extremely intensive diplomatic offensive, sent delegations and ambassadors to governments around the world” to invite athletes to bypass sports federations.

The text says that the World Anti-Doping Agency also opposes tournaments. Doping control at competitions will be conducted without the participation of the organization, the IOC called it a threat to health and justice in their regard.

The statement of the IOC was commented on by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The representative of the ministry, Maria Zakharova, called the call “rudeness and an indicator of hopelessness.”

The Friendship Games in Russia are planned for the Olympic Games, summer — for September in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, winter — for 2026 in Sochi. Competitions are planned in dozens of sports, including non-Olympic ones. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on the implementation in September. It is planned that prizes will be paid to the winners. The cost of organizing the summer games was estimated at 8.3 billion rubles ($89.5 million).

• Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes are admitted to the Olympic Games only in individual competitions and in neutral status. Many did not have the opportunity to qualify for the tournament.