Former Russian hockey coach blames IOC for Russia's exclusion from 2026 Winter Olympics

A former Russian ice hockey coach, Vladimir Plyuschev, has publicly blamed the International Olympic Committee for Russia's exclusion from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, calling IOC officials 'petty bisexuals' in a wide-ranging interview. Russia has been barred from Olympic competition since 2022 after the IOC sanctioned Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Plyuschev argued that the decision was predictable and tied to broader geopolitical tensions, saying there is 'no common sense there' and that the IOC is 'run by petty bisexuals like the French, Germans, English and the Balts,' adding that 'expecting any chance was pointless.' He urged Moscow to focus on nations that treat Russia as loyal partners, arguing that 'sport is diplomacy' and that officials should 'practice this diplomacy' rather than 'drinking coffee in their offices' while telling athletes they cannot compete. The remarks come amid lingering questions about whether a pathway exists for Russia to return to Olympic competition through neutrals and smaller associations.

The IOC has reiterated that its March 2023 Executive Board recommendation regarding teams of athletes with a Russian passport remains in place. It notes that a group of Individual Neutral Athletes cannot be considered a team, and the IIHF has confirmed that it will follow that position, effectively blocking a Russian team from returning this winter. This stance follows the IOC's ongoing position that the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee remains in effect due to Moscow's annexation activities and the broader conflict in Ukraine, which has also thwarted any immediate path to a full team return.

There had been speculation earlier this year that Russian hockey officials had held talks with the International Ice Hockey Federation about a possible return to the Olympics at the 2026 Games in Italy, but the IOC publicly dismissed such reports, underscoring that the current framework does not support a Russian team competing under a neutral banner in the Games.

In Paris 2024, a small number of individual Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to participate after vetting by the IOC, competing as neutral athletes rather than under their country’s flag or anthem. Four Russian figure skaters in men’s and women’s singles were recently approved by the International Skating Union to attempt to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics as neutral athletes, illustrating a limited, case-by-case approach to participation for individuals while team participation remains blocked.

The Russian Olympic Committee was suspended by the IOC in October 2023 for recognizing regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. The IOC said such activity breaches the Olympic Charter and violates the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian NOC, reinforcing the stance that Russia’s teams cannot be fielded at the Games under the current sanctions.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from February 6 to 22 in Italy, a timeframe that has sharpened tensions between Moscow and the Olympic movement as Russia seeks a return to major international competition amid ongoing geopolitical conflict.