MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The number of Russian athletes who have so far been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics is a joke, Head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Stanislav Pozdnyakov said.

"A week ago in Lausanne they announced their readiness to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Paris Olympics, and then immediately mockingly announced how many of them had been admitted. This number in itself is an eloquent assessment of their efforts," he said at an Olympic meeting.

On December 14, the International Olympic Committee reported that six Russians and five Belarusians had been admitted to the Games. Initially, the IOC said that eight Russians and three Belarusians had been approved.

On December 8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed the Russians to compete at the Paris Olympics under a neutral status. The IOC said that Russians and Belarusians would not be allowed to participate in all team events. Participation in the Olympics will also be denied to those who actively support the special military operation. Individuals associated with the army or national security organizations will not be allowed to take part in the Olympics either. Officials will not be accredited to the Games. The display of official symbols of Russia and Belarus will be prohibited.

The Olympic Games in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.