Former world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has criticized the International Olympic Committee's decision on the possible return of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

"This decision pollutes the Olympic spirit and is like this war: nonsense," the 47-year-old Ukrainian wrote on Twitter, posting a picture of himself with the Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal around his neck.

In addition, Klitschko accused IOC President Thomas Bach of serving the "colors and interests of Russia". He described the recommendation to the world associations to allow the excluded athletes again under conditions such as a "neutral flag" as a "false flag". Since the Russian war of aggression in his homeland, Wladimir Klitschko has been one of Bach's greatest critics.

On Tuesday, the IOC recommended the re-admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutral athletes to international competitions. According to the decision of the IOC leadership, athletes from both countries with connections to the military and security organs as well as teams should remain excluded. Bach emphasized that a decision on allowing Russians and Belarusians to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will only be made at a later date.