MOSCOW. March 23 (Interfax) - Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has described as unacceptable World Athletics' decision to extend the suspension of Russian athletes from international track and field tournaments that was earlier imposed at the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to the situation in Ukraine, the Sports Ministry's press service said.
"Nevertheless, the suspension of [Russian] athletes from international competitions remains in effect. We see these politicized restrictions as unacceptable, especially in the context of [IOC President] Thomas Bach's recent statement against political influence on sports. The Olympic Games must remain neutral, while international federations must allow all strongest athletes in their sport to compete," Matytsin said.