Nine EU states demand halt to IOC funding over Russian athlete inclusion
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Nine European Union member states have jointly demanded that international sports federations suspend funding to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over its decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete. The appeal, led by Poland and the Baltic states, was submitted to the European Commission and national Olympic committees. The move escalates political pressure on the IOC ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Demand
Nine EU states — Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Ireland — signed a joint statement calling for a halt to all financial contributions to the IOC from international federations. The signatories argue that the IOC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag violates the Olympic Charter's principles of peace and non-discrimination. The statement was delivered to the European Commission and national Olympic committees on Tuesday.
Political Context
The appeal follows months of debate within the EU over how to respond to the IOC's March 2026 decision to lift the blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Poland and the Baltic states have been the most vocal opponents, threatening to boycott the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina if Russian athletes participate. The EU has no direct authority over the IOC, but the bloc's member states collectively contribute significant funding through national Olympic committees and sports federations.
IOC Response
The IOC has not yet formally responded to the demand, but in previous statements it has defended its position, citing the Olympic Charter's prohibition of discrimination based on nationality. IOC President Thomas Bach has argued that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments. The IOC estimates that Russian and Belarusian athletes will make up less than 1% of the total participants at the 2026 Games.
What's Next
The European Commission is expected to discuss the appeal at its next meeting on July 20. It remains unclear whether the EU will adopt a unified position or if individual member states will proceed with unilateral funding suspensions.
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Nine EU states demand halt to IOC funding over Russian athlete inclusion
