The participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony will be discussed at the next International Olympic Committee executive board meeting on March 19th, the IOC said on Wednesday.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday that Russian and Belarusian athletes joining the Paralympics would not march in their opening ceremony.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, has directly addressed Russia’s leadership, citing their actions as a violation of the Olympic charter, which led to the country’s exclusion from the Paris Games.

Bach’s remarks, characterised by unusually strong language, underscore the escalating tensions between the IOC and Moscow.

He particularly criticised Russia for what he termed as “scandalous manipulation” of the anti-doping system during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Bach reiterated the decision to allow only Russian athletes who opposed the ongoing conflict to participate in Paris as neutral competitors, devoid of national symbols such as flags, anthems, or insignias.

Speculation is mounting that Russia may opt for a complete boycott of the Games by declining to send its neutral athletes to Paris.

Bach, speaking on Wednesday, indicated a lack of willingness to compromise on the matter.

He highlighted the increasing frequency of aggressive statements emanating from the Russian government and officials.

Notably, Bach pointed out the paradox of such assertiveness coming from the same government implicated in the manipulation of the anti-doping system surrounding the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

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Read also: Calls grow to ban Russian & Belarusian athletes from 2024 Olympics

“While Russia kills and terrorises, representatives of the terrorist state have no place at sports and Olympic competitions.

“And it cannot be covered up with some pretended neutrality or a white flag.

” The mere presence of representatives of the terrorist state is a manifestation of violence and lawlessness.” – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

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