Chaos in the Sporting World over Russia’s War of Aggression: Political Neutrality in Light of Human Rights Protection

Abstract There is currently disagreement in the international sports world about whether Russian and Belarusian athletes should be admitted to competitions. While initially proposing ban these athletes, International Olympic Committee (IOC) now recommending that federations readmit under certain conditions. The IOC believes this unavoidable order respect human rights. Sports are invoking their autonomy on issue, with some following IOC’s advice, maintaining a ban, others allowing unconditional participation. This piece seeks correct interpretation of applicable rights standard. It asserts sporting bodies must rights, principles neutrality sport considered light internationally recognised standards. If used as yardstick, it becomes clear collective exclusion can justified extreme case war aggression.