IOC recommends banning participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions

The Executive Council of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today issued the following ruling, which stated the following:

“While athletes from Russia and Belarus today can continue to participate in sporting events, many athletes from Ukraine cannot do so due to the attack on their country. Therefore, in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and the safety of all participants, the IOC Executive Board recommends that international sports federations and organizers of sporting events not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.

“The IOC Executive Board urges international sports federations and organizers of sporting events around the world to do everything possible to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus is allowed to participate under the name of Russia or Belarus. Citizens of Russia or Belarus, whether individuals or teams, should only be accepted as neutral athletes or neutral teams. The use of national symbols, colors, flags or anthems is not allowed.”

"The IOC Executive Board strongly recommends that no sporting events be held in Russia or Belarus."