Belarus will fight for the legitimate rights of its Canoe and Kayak athletes
The official declaration of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus concerning the suspension of the Belarus Senior Men’s Canoe and Kayak National Team for the Olympic Games 2016.
On July 16, 2016 at 1:00 a.m. the Belarusian side received a message from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) stating that the ICF Executive Board imposes a one year suspension of the Belarus Senior Men’s Canoe and Kayak National Team, including coaches, medical stuff and entourage for all International competitions. In view of this statement, the National Olympic Committee of the Republic Belarus together with the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus declares the following.
We believe that the decision of the ICF Executive Board, which was made based on the police search of the Belarusian National Team during the training camp in Temple-sur-Lot, is absolutely groundless and made on the meaningless basis. By the moment, none of the National Team members was pressed any charges in this regard, there were no hearings, guilt of the athletes and coaches was not established and the principle of presumed innocence was strictly violated.
We should make a note that obviously the members of the ICF Executive Board delayed this decision on purpose. They knew that the deadline for the final sport entries for the Olympic Games is July 18, 2016 and there will be no time to appeal to the court and protect the legitimate rights of the Belarusian athletes.
The Belarusian side has prepared a formal appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, which will be delivered there in the morning of July 18, 2016 based on the working schedule of the court. The corresponding package is already formed, which includes all the necessary documents, including the documents on behalf of the athletes.
The methods used on the eve of the Olympic Games towards the leading athletes on their suspension from the struggle for prizes, are surprising. The noncompliance principles of fair play, lobbying personal interests and corrupt approach are visible here. In this regard, the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus is negotiating and consulting with the leaders and members of the International Olympic Committee.
The Belarusian side states that it reserves the right to take the most decisive actions in connection with the planned 2016 ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Sprint World Championship in Minsk this July.
Press-conference devoted to the issue will be held on July 18, 2016 at 12.30 at the Headquarters of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic Belarus. Media representatives are invited to take part!