MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. A decision on Russian athletes’ participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be made jointly with athletes and federations, Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has told TASS in an interview.

"The Olympic Charter - its articles four and six - stipulate that sports should be free from discrimination and that rights should be equal regardless of religious affiliation, political preferences, beliefs and so on," Matytsin said. "We will keep pressing for this. We are waiting for final decisions by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the admission of our athletes to competitions. We will make decisions together with athletes and with sports federations."

"It is unacceptable to follow the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and international federations, when they cross the red line, demanding that Russian and Belarusian athletes condemn the policies of their countries and actions of their presidents. We will never do this and will not let the rights of Russian athletes be trampled on," Matytsin added.

On December 8, the IOC allowed Russian athletes to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris in a neutral status. The IOC noted that the Russians and Belarusians would not be admitted to all team competitions. Participation in the Olympics will also be denied to those who actively support military operations and are associated with the army or national security organizations. Officials will be denied accreditation. The display of official symbols of Russia and Belarus will be prohibited at the Olympics.