Ex-UK minister Robertson rubbishes Ukrainian claims he aided Russia’s Olympic return

Sir Hugh Robertson, the former UK Sports Minister and IOC member, has dismissed claims that he played a central role in Russia's return to the Olympic Games. In an interview with City AM, Robertson called allegations that he is a "Russian stooge" "rubbish" and denied any ties with the Russian state. He stated that his working group's establishment of political neutrality principles in the Olympic Charter had no influence on Russia's readmission.

Robertson further denied that his appointment to the IOC was a "subtle diplomatic calculation" to avoid Euro-Atlantic criticism. He reiterated that he had no knowledge of why he was appointed to the role. Robertson also denied accusations that his political and military expertise allowed Russia to be seen as a pragmatic measure rather than a concession to Moscow.

He said that his visits to Russia occurred before the 2014 invasion of Ukraine and were part of his role in transferring the Olympics from London to Sochi. Robertson dismissed accusations that he helped stop Team GB from wearing rainbow symbols during the 2012 London Olympics, stating that he missed those games and had nothing to do with the allegations.

He denied that his role as one of six trustees of Chelsea's foundation, which Abramovich tried to sell before he faced sanctions, proved any links to Russian business. Robertson also denied that his involvement in the Olympic decision to return Russia was a "pragmatic calculation aimed at preserving the integrity of the global sports industry."

The IOC stated that Robertson's working group was set up to address the 65 active state-based conflicts and wars in 2025, but was not involved in discussing the provisional lifting of the suspension of the ROC.