IOC expels Belarus coaches over Tsimanouskaya scandal

Olympics governing body cancels accreditation of two Belarusian coaches after failed bid to force sprinter home.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stripped two Belarus coaches of accreditation over their role in Krystsina Tsimanouskaya’s removal from the Tokyo Games. Athletics head coach Yury Maisevich and team official Artur Shimak have left the Olympic Village after being asked to do so, the IOC said on Friday. “In the interest of the wellbeing of the athletes of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus (NOC) who are still in Tokyo, and as a provisional measure, the IOC cancelled and removed last night the accreditations of the two coaches,” the body said in a statement posted on Twitter.