The European Fencing Confederation says no fencers from Russia or Belarus will participate in the Paris Olympics after those eligible under a neutral banner did not enter for European qualifiers, according to Agence France-Presse.

In a growing tide of international backlash, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa has expressed its disapproval of World Athletics' initiative to offer prize money to gold medallists in Paris 2024. A move it described as "repugnant to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement."

Emmanuel Macron on Monday justified the difference in treatment at the Olympic Games between Russia, which has been excluded as a nation because it decided to wage a "war of aggression" in Ukraine, and Israel, whose flag will be present because it has not been an "aggressor".

Juan Antonio Samaranch, vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reiterated that the Olympic Movement has "a lot at stake" with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, because the event must be "the symbol needed to change the terrible dynamic" that the planet is experiencing.

A few weeks back came the announcement of the Friendship Games, to be held in Russia in September. Total prize money across all sports: $100 million. Winners get $40,000. Second place, $25,000. Third: $17,000.

Speakers and experts will evaluate the achievements of the Russian sport over the past six years and make statements about the future of domestic sport and physical culture at the Forum "We Are Together. Sport", which will take place on 11 and 12 April in Gostiny Dvor, Moscow.

During his visit to Paris on 2 and 3 April, Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvi Bidny told 'Le Monde' that Ukraine was closely following the International Olympic Committee's examination of athletes eligible to take part in the Olympic Games

The Kremlin on Friday denounced as "unacceptable" French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that Russia was trying to undermine the Paris Olympics through a disinformation campaign. Macron said on Thursday that Moscow was trying to promote the narrative that France was incapable of hosting the Games and that the event would be a risk.

French President Macron warned last Thursday of the danger of Russian disinformation during the Paris Olympics, saying his country was ready for the challenge. "I don't doubt" that the Games will be targeted by Russia, "including in the field of information," Macron said at the inauguration of the Aquatic Centre, the largest sports facility built for next summer's Olympics.  

A recording of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, the victim of a prank call from someone claiming to be a senior official of the African Union Commission, has been posted online. 

Four months before the start of the 33rd Olympic Games of the modern era in Paris, the ambiguous position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the presence of athletes from Russia and Belarus continues to cause problems, with constant quotes and reactions from both sides.

A recording of the Polish President of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Witold Banka, the victim of a prank call from someone claiming to be a senior official of the African Union Commission has been posted online. The caller asked questions about the Russian-backed multi-sport event, the Friendship Games, about which WADA had previously raised anti-doping concerns.

The World Friendship Games (WFG) will feature competitions in 36 different sports programmes and award 283 sets of medals to the winners, said Alexey Sorokin, Director General of the Organising Committee.

The opening ceremony of the traditional "Great Silk Road" international men's and women's boxing tournament was held in Baku. The event began with a parade of participating teams.