POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE WORLD SPORTS ARENA

The article examines the relationship between sports and politics on the global stage, tracing the evolution of this phenomenon from the ancient Olympic Games to the present day. It analyzes key manifestations of the politicization of sports, such as sanctions, the change of athletes' citizenship, and the creation of alternative sports formats. Special attention is given to the period when politics began to have a direct impact on the participation of athletes, international competitions, and the principles of the Olympic movement.