The British government said in a statement that more than 30 countries, including the United States, Britain and France, pledged on Monday to support any ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes participating in international sporting events.
The British government added that the statement comes on the heels of recent proposals by the International Olympic Committee to explore ways to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to competition, including for the 2024 Olympic Games.
The IOC said any boycott would violate the Olympic Charter and that the inclusion of athletes from the two countries was based on a United Nations resolution against discrimination within the Olympic movement.
However, Ukraine and its allies in The West insisted on banning athletes from Russia and Belarus.
“There are real concerns about the viability of athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as neutrals, given that they receive funding and direct support from their countries,” the statement read on Monday.
The British government added that Russia and Belarus could “pave the way for the full return of athletes to the international sporting community by ending the war they started”.
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