The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday lifted some restrictions, allowing Russian athletes to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions,” IOC president Kirsty Coventry said at a meeting in Lausanne.
However, the IOC kept in place the ban on the Russian national anthem being played and the flag being displayed, for the time being, but stipulated returning Russian athletes would have to pass “multiple” doping tests before being allowed to participate.
The decision drew criticism from Ukraine. Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi questioned why the IOC had eased its position while the war continues, saying the security situation has worsened rather than improved.
The IOC reiterated its support for Ukraine’s Olympic community and said financial assistance to Ukrainian athletes would continue.
The IOC statement, laying out a host of conditions, said individual sports could decide whether to allow the flag and anthem at their own events or stage competitions in Russia.
As for the Games, with the Los Angeles Olympics two years away, the IOC said it “will take a decision in relation to the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colors, or any identifications for the Olympic Games at the appropriate time.”
Russia welcomed the decision.
“The IOC is sending a clear signal: the Olympic movement must remain free from politics,” Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev said on Telegram, adding Russia planned to participate in qualifiers for the Los Angeles Games.
