Ex-UK minister Robertson denies aiding Russia's Olympic return

Former UK Sports Minister Sir Hugh Robertson has strongly refuted claims that he was instrumental in Russia's readmission to the Olympic Games, dismissing accusations of being a "Russian stooge" as "rubbish" and "absolute drivel".

Robertson, who also chairs the International Olympic Committee's Working Group on the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, stated that the principles of political neutrality have always been established and were not a concession to Moscow. He denied any ties to the Russian state and explained that his visits to Russia occurred before the 2014 invasion of Ukraine and were related to the handover of the Olympics from London to Sochi.

Accusations linking him to Russian business through his role as a trustee of Chelsea's foundation, prior to Roman Abramovich's sanctioning, were also denied by Robertson, who described them as a "total misrepresentation". He also refuted claims that his involvement with Camelot and its sale proved links to Putin's business circle.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed that Robertson's working group was established to address global conflicts but was not involved in the decision to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). UkrSportBase, however, maintained that Robertson was involved in a "shameful decision" favoring Russia.