The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued fresh recommendations in March allowing International Federations to welcome back Russian and Belarusian athletes as individual neutrals provided they do not support the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated to the military.

Archery, canoeing, cycling, fencing, golf, judo, modern pentathlon, shooting, skateboarding, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon and wrestling have all permitted a return for both countries' athletes under neutral conditions, but athletics, badminton, equestrian, sport climbing and surfing have refused to ease their stance.

Critics have argued Russian and Belarusian athletes would be used for political purposes by both nations and there should be no place for either country in international sport while the war in Ukraine is ongoing.

Pozdnyakov has been a critic of the Olympic Movement's response to the war in Ukraine, and has previously suggested it is an "honourable duty" for Russian athletes to fight in the conflict.

He branded the IOC's updated recommendations a "farce", and renewed his criticism at the "Russia - Islamic World: Kazan Forum" International Economic Forum.

"Most notice what is happening in international sports," Pozdnyakov was quoted by Russian state-run news agency TASS.

"Today, admission or non-admission is a puppet sports theatre, where biased and politicised figures pull the strings.

"The rest can only read the text, like the characters in a play, fulfil their role.

"We clearly understand that this is a farce where the rights of our athletes are violated.

"We spend a significant amount of time with our colleagues from Asia and other countries.

"It is gratifying to note that the dialogue goes beyond sports, covers humanitarian activities.

"We are interested not only in sports, but also in civil rights.

"Our goal is to make the world a better place through sports."

The ROC President claimed the IOC's stance harmed the Olympic Movement, and criticised "attempts in various ways to push Russian athletes to change citizenship, to lure dubious prospects".

insidethegames has asked the IOC for a comment on Pozdnyakov's latest remarks.

The IOC's updated recommendations prompted a backlash in Ukraine, which has vowed to boycott any Paris 2024 Olympics qualification events where Russians and Belarusians are present.

The IOC has suggested its stance represents a "middle ground".