IOC: reports on barring Russian anthem at 2018 Olympics are speculations

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers the New York Times’ publication about the possible banning of Russia’s national anthem at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea’s PyeongChang to be a premature speculation, the IOC press service said.

"This is all premature speculation before the two Commissions have even completed their work and before due process, to which any individual and organization is entitled, has been followed," TASS cited the press service as saying..

The statement comes after the New York Times reported that the International Olympic Committee was considering several possible penalties against Russia in response to doping violations, including barring the country's national anthem at the next Winter Olympics. 

Top officials at the IOC could also bar Russia's athletes from taking part in the opening ceremony at the games in Pyeongchang, South Korea or force them to compete under a neutral flag or wear neutral uniforms, according to the media outlet.