Friendship Games: IOC Condemns Russia’s ‘Cynical Attempt to Politicise Sport’

The International Olympic Committee, IOC, says Russia’s plan to host a ‘Friendship Games’ is “a cynical attempt” by the country “to politicise sport”.

Russia wants to hold the event in September this year, with a winter Games planned for 2026.

The IOC said the plan is a “blatant violation of the Olympic Charter”.

The first Friendship Games were organised by the Soviet Union and eight other countries after they boycotted the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Russia is currently banned from the Olympics following the invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC added: “The Russian government has launched a very intensive diplomatic offensive by having government delegations and ambassadors, as well as ministerial and other governmental authorities, approaching governments around the world.