Olympics 2018: IOC Assembly supports executive branch in Russia issue

The International Olympic Committee has backed the IOC executive for its decisions in the doping crisis around Russia.

The Plenary Assembly of the Order of the Rings voted in favour of the path of the executive without dissent. There were two abstentions.

The head of the IOC was appointed by the Russian National Olympic Committee (ROC) on 5 May. December suspended for systematic doping at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. However, Russian athletes who are considered clean may compete in Pyeongchang under neutral flag and anthem.

The IOC had also banned 43 Russian athletes from the Olympic Games for life because of doping offences in Sochi. 42 of them appealed and moved to the International Sports Court CAS.

The Court lifted the blockades in 28 cases. However, the IOC has so far refused to issue invitations. The Russian athletes are now taking action against this position.