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Denmark's Sports Confederation opposes IOC's Russia decision
🇩🇰 Denmark /Sports

Denmark's Sports Confederation opposes IOC's Russia decision

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • - Denmark's Sports Confederation (DIF) disagrees with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to temporarily lift the suspension of Russia's Olympic Committee.
  • DIF President Hans Natorp stated that nothing has changed to justify Russia's return to international sports.
  • The IOC's decision allows Russian athletes to participate in qualification competitions and the Olympics, though the Russian state remains sanctioned.

Denmark's Sports Confederation (DIF) has voiced strong opposition to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recent decision to partially lift the suspension of Russia's Olympic Committee. DIF President Hans Natorp expressed his disagreement, stating that the circumstances do not warrant Russia's return to the international sports arena.

I cannot see that anything has changed that justifies Russia now being welcomed back.

— Hans NatorpDIF President Hans Natorp explaining his disagreement with the IOC's decision.

Since October 2023, the Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended due to the invasion of Ukraine. However, the IOC now recommends that all Russian athletes be allowed to compete in qualification events and the Olympic Games. While the Russian state continues to face sanctions, preventing politicians from attending as guests, the IOC is considering allowing Russian athletes to compete under their own flag and national anthem at a later date.

Russia has repeatedly shown that the country does not respect the independence of sports and the Olympic principles.

— Hans NatorpDIF President Hans Natorp on Russia's past actions.

Natorp highlighted Russia's long-standing disregard for the autonomy of sports and fundamental Olympic values. He acknowledged the IOC's desire to keep sports separate from politics but argued that when sport is used as a state tool, it is the responsibility of the sports community to object. "Russia has repeatedly shown that the country does not respect the independence of sports and the Olympic principles," Natorp stated.

We have fought against it all the way, and no one has been in doubt about Denmark's position. But we must also acknowledge that we are increasingly a clear minority.

— Hans NatorpDIF President Hans Natorp on Denmark's stance and its minority position within the IOC.

Despite the DIF's opposition, which has been consistent throughout the process, Natorp recognized that Denmark is in the minority on this issue. The DIF is not urging Danish athletes or organizers to boycott competitions where Russian athletes might be present, emphasizing that Danish athletes should not suffer consequences for Russia's participation. The IOC maintains that its condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains unchanged.

We have to respect the decision, even though we disagree. Danish athletes should not pay the price for Russia participating.

— Hans NatorpDIF President Hans Natorp on how Danish athletes should proceed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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