Despite the Ukraine war
IOC recommends participation of Russian athletes in international competitions
IOC President Thomas Bach
© Bernd Weisbrod / DPA
The International Olympic Committee wants Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in international competitions again – but under a neutral flag.
As expected, the International Olympic Committee advocated the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions. The IOC did not announce a timetable for a decision on whether Russian and Belarusian athletes would be admitted to the Olympics. “We will make this decision at an appropriate time,” said President Thomas Bach on Tuesday after a meeting of the Executive Committee in Lausanne.
Rather, one wants to wait and see how the criteria for the return of athletes as neutral athletes to international sports competitions recommended by the IOC are met. “It is an extremely complicated situation in which something can change every day, every month,” said the German IOC President.
No international competitions in Russia and Belarus
According to the will of the IOC leadership, no international competitions are allowed to take place in Russia and Belarus. Government officials from either country may not be invited to competitions. In addition, athletes must do without the flag, anthem and symbols of their home countries and comply with anti-doping regulations. They are only allowed to participate in competitions if they do not actively support Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
According to Rule 44.1 of the Olympic Charter, the IOC must send out invitations to the National Olympic Committees one year before the opening of the Olympic Games. July 26, 2023 would be the latest date for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.