The International Olympic Committee has eliminated all limitations on athletes and teams from Belarus, clearing the path for their complete return to international sporting contests and qualification events for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The move represents a substantial reversal of sanctions imposed in 2022 when Russia used Belarusian territory as a launching camp for its invasion of Ukraine. Since then Belarusian athletes have been prohibited from several international tournaments, or compelled to compete as neutrals without their national flag, anthem or symbols.
The IOC Executive Board said in a statement on Thursday it “no longer recommends any restrictions” on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in events held by international sports federations and event organisers.
The move means athletes from Belarus can now compete freely in individual and team events under their own flag. It also enables them to compete in all the qualification events for the Olympics commencing later this year for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
But the restrictions on Russian athletes remain. The IOC stated the case of the Russian Olympic Committee, which was suspended in 2023 for recognizing Olympic councils in the occupied Ukrainian areas, is undergoing judicial review.
The IOC is still working to ensure athletes are not penalized for the political acts of their governments while also balancing the principles of international sport,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
Some international federations are keeping their own sanctions despite the IOC’s decision. World Athletics said Belarusian and Russian competitors will remain barred from athletics contests until there is significant movement towards peace talks over the conflict in Ukraine.
The proposal is likely to create further discussion in the world of global sport, after Ukraine and other European countries have already criticised the moves to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition.
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