Russia invasion upends Olympic ‘neutrality’ — if it existed

By STEPHEN WADE
AP Sports Writer

The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” Gaps exist between what the IOC has long insisted it is — “the very heart of world sport” —  and a view that hews closer to reality; a nonprofit sports business that generates about 90% of its income from selling broadcast rights and sponsorships. Increasingly, the IOC must cater to rich sponsors that were barely a factor 30 years ago.