Milano Cortina: Israel Respects Olympic Charter Says IOC

Milano: Israel respects the Olympic charter, a top IOC official said on Wednesday when asked whether Israeli athletes will be able to take part in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games amid the war in Gaza.

According to Ansa News Agency, Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi affirmed at a press conference for the sixth session of IOC Coordination Commission for Milano Cortina 2026 that “Israel complies with the Olympic Charter.” This statement was made to address concerns about the participation of Israeli athletes in the upcoming Winter Games.

Dubi clarified that the situation involving Israel is distinct from that of Russia and Belarus, emphasizing that it is a special case with Israel and Palestine. He noted that both countries have national Olympic committees that comply with the Olympic Charter. “From a sporting point of view, which is what we are responsible for, they are two separate cases,” Dubi stated, highlighting the IOC’s commitment to ensuring that sports remain separate from political conflicts.