Is the ground being prepared for Russia's participation in the 2028 Olympic Games? IOC President, Kirsty Coventry: "We are a sports organization. We understand politics and we know that we do not operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport."

One day after FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared that he wishes to reintegrate Russia into international football, Coventry used her opening speech at the 145th IOC Congress in Milan to argue that all athletes should be allowed to compete in sports, regardless of their government's politics.

"Throughout the campaign and in many of our conversations since then, we have heard the same message from many of you. Focus on the essential. We are a sports organization. We understand politics and we know that we do not operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being hindered by the politics or divisions of their governments.

In an increasingly divided world, this principle matters more than ever. It is what allows the Olympic Games to remain a place of inspiration where athletes from around the world can come together and show the best of our humanity," said Kirsty Coventry in her opening speech at the 145th IOC Congress in Milan.