STORY: It came as little surprise to experts. On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee spoke out in favor of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to world sports, despite heavy criticism. IOC President Thomas Bach announced in Lausanne, Switzerland, that the IOC Executive had decided to allow the world federations to allow previously banned athletes to participate under special conditions. However, no decision has yet been made regarding participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The conditions include strict neutrality and proof of not actively supporting the war. Athletes from Russia and Belarus who are members of the military remain excluded. 13 months ago, immediately after the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, most professional associations followed an IOC recommendation to exclude the athletes.