The IOC has recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions

photo: EPA-EFE/DENIS BALIBOUSE

International Olympic Committee (IOC) today recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions, under a neutral flag and "in an individual capacity", on the condition that they do not actively support the war in Ukraine.

The IOC added that it would "in due course" decide on their possible participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, he told a press conference. IOC President Thomas Bach.

Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic countries are threatening to boycott the Olympics if Russian and Belarusian athletes participate. After pressure to clarify its position, the Olympic body announced last December that it was "finding a way" to bring back the Russian and Belarusian athletes after recommending their expulsion in late February due to the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military, backed by neighboring Belarus.

After four months of consultation with the entire Olympic world, the IOC decided to leave the primary responsibility to international federations and competition organizers whether to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes.

The executive proposes to maintain the exclusion of all Russian and Belarusian teams and to limit the return to competition of athletes "holding Russian or Belarusian passports" as long as they compete "individually," under a neutral flag, and "have not actively supported the war in Ukraine" and are not under contract with the Russian military or security services.

Today, the IOC "did not address" the question of the participation of Russia and Belarus in the Olympics, despite threats to boycott some countries. As Bach says, the Olympic Organization will decide "at the appropriate time and at its own discretion and regardless of the results of the qualifying competitions for the Olympic Games."

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