The International Olympic Committee temporarily lifts the suspension of Russia
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday, July 8, temporarily lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), almost three years after it was banned for bringing sports organizations from the occupied Ukrainian territories among its members.
The IOC said the decision followed a review by its Legal Affairs Commission, which found that the ROC no longer included these organizations as members. He also noted that the ROC has confirmed that it will not conduct any sports activities in the territories that fall under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC).
The IOC stressed that the decision has nothing to do with Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and does not change its position on the war. She said she continues to strongly condemn the invasion and remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian Olympic community.
WHY WAS THE BAN REMOVED
The ROC was suspended in October 2023 after it recognized sports organizations from the occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia as members.
The IOC said at the time that the move violated the Olympic Charter because the regions fall under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee.
The IOC said the suspension has now been lifted as the ROC has removed these organizations from its membership and confirmed it will not operate in these territories.
The governing body said the decision was based on the ROC meeting these conditions and was unrelated to the war itself.
MOV’S STANDING TO UKRAINE
The IOC has made it clear that its position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not changed.
She said she continues to condemn the war and express solidarity with the Ukrainian Olympic community.
The IOC also said it would continue to support Ukrainian athletes through funding, training opportunities, travel assistance, accommodation and equipment. It added that these programs helped Ukrainian athletes compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
A DECISION ON THE FLAG IS YET TO BE MADE
Although the ROC suspension has been lifted, Russia’s return to the Olympic movement is not complete.
The IOC said it would not organize Olympic events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to IOC events.
She also said it has not yet been decided whether Russian athletes will be able to compete under the country’s flag, anthem or other national symbols at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision will be taken at a later stage.
For other international competitions, the decision to allow the Russian flag or host events in Russia will be left to the respective International Federations (IFs) and event organizers.
STRICT RULES FOR ATHLETES
The IOC also said that its recommendations issued in 2022 and 2023 restricting the participation of Russian athletes and teams no longer apply, as qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games are already underway.
However, Russian athletes still have to meet strict anti-doping rules before they can return to international competition.
The IOC said athletes must be part of an anti-doping program overseen by the International Testing Agency (ITA) and must pass several tests before competing.
If the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is still deemed non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, the IOC said the ITA would independently oversee the testing of all qualified Russian athletes.
The IOC added that Russian athletes selected for the Olympics must also meet the standards of the Olympic Charter, which says athletes should promote the values of peace and respect through sport.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
08 Jul 2026 0:11 IST