Russian Olympic chief accuses IOC of siding with Ukraine

The head of Russia’s Olympic Committee on Friday accused the International Olympic Committee of picking sides after it urged sports federations to show sensitivity when handling Ukrainian athletes.

“The statement in question indicates that the IOC determined for itself and picked a side in the political conflict, (and) began to act in the interests of this side,” Stanislav Pozdnyakov said on Telegram.

On Thursday, Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan was disqualified at the World Fencing Championships in Milan after refusing to shake the hand of her beaten Russian opponent Anna Smirnova.

The rules of the International Fencing Federation state that the two fencers must shake hands.




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