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Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Juozas Olekas has criticized the decision by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to lift individual restrictions on Belarusian and Russian athletes and other basketball representatives.
“I do not agree with the approach that if [restrictions] have been in place for a long time, they should therefore be eased. It seems to me that neither Belarus nor Russia has undergone changes that would allow us to change the situation,” ELTA quoted him as saying.
According to him, Belarusian and Russian representatives should not be allowed to compete alongside Lithuanian athletes. At the same time, Olekas said the question of a possible boycott of competitions involving Belarusians and Russians should be left to the sports community. He said athletes themselves should discuss possible courses of action.
“The sports community should consult with one another. I hear different opinions — some decide not to participate, boycott and thus keep them out, while others say that if we come together, we will show that we are stronger, more powerful and can defeat even them,” Olekas said.
“My personal opinion is that they should not be allowed into our environment and we should not compete with them,” he added.
As a reminder, on September 1, the FIBA Executive Committee lifted individual restrictions on Belarusian and Russian basketball players, coaches, referees, commissioners and other officials. The decision took effect immediately, allowing representatives of the two countries to participate in basketball and 3×3 basketball competitions held under the auspices of FIBA. No decision has yet been made on the return of the Belarusian and Russian national teams and clubs to international tournaments. FIBA plans to consider their reintegration in December.