Russia’s Olympic troubles continue after the IOC – International Olympic Committee – suspended Russia for “a land grab in sports administration” and “a breach of the Olympic Charter”.

Twenty months ago, during the 2021 Winter Olympics, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in violation of IOC rules.

Russia has now incorporated the sports councils of four regions in the easter portion of Ukraine – Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

The suspension will have effect on any Russian athlete who is performing in international competitions under a neutral flag including the Olympics next summer in Paris, France.

Speaking on the actions of Russia, the IOC Committee said, “this unilateral decision constitutes a breach of the Olympic Charter because it violates the territorial integrity of the NOC of Ukraine, as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in accordance with the Olympic Charter.”

However, back in 2016, the IOC failed to suspend Russia for the same actions when Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and the sport councils of Crimea and Sevastopol; which international law still recognizes as a part of the Ukraine.

The IOC Committee continued, “the OIC reserves the right to decide about the participation of individual neutral athletes with a Russian passport in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at the appropriate time”.

Not surprising, the Russian Olympic Committee criticized the IOC, calling the decision “another counterproductive decision with obvious political motivations.”

In the past the IOC has been viewed at “too soft” when it comes to Russia and numerous doping issues; allowing athletes to compete, albeit under a neutral flag.  While the IOC has failed to act, various sporting agencies have banned Russian athletes from competition.

The suspension prevents the ROC from receiving any funding from the IOC.  Reportedly Russian officials are considering legal action to gain access to funding that has not been paid during the months Russia has been at war in Ukraine.

The ROC can appeal the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport who said the, “ROC, as a participant in the international sports movement, reserves the right to protect its own interests, as well as the interests of athletes and organizations of a sovereign country, which we represent in good faith.”