London has been excluded as a potential host for pre-Paris Olympic qualifiers because of its tougher stance towards Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The International Olympic Committee allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as "neutral" competitors who "in no way represent their country or state" (see the full statement here.) Also excluded are sportsmen and women who "actively support" the respective regimes.
British Government regulations, however, go further and demand a written statement of neutrality as well as confirmation that the athlete is not state-funded. These requirements were implemented at this year's Wimbledon, enabling, for example Sabalenka to compete. (In 2022 she had been blocked from participation.)
The British Government has insisted on these tighter restrictions so the IOC has excluded London as a possible venue for pre-Paris qualifiers. The IOC argues that Britain's requirement of a signed document could lead to persecution of athletes whey they return to their home countries.
Sources: PAP, Evening Standard, IOC Website, Twitter
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