IOC Ends Recommended Limits on Belarusian Athletes, Keeps Russia Suspended

Overview

• The IOC Executive Board said it no longer recommends any restrictions on Belarusian athletes and it canceled its 2022 and 2023 guidance.
• The decision allows Belarusian individuals and teams to compete under their flag and anthem rather than only as neutral athletes.
• The change does not extend to holders of Russian passports because the Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended under legal review.
• In its statement, the IOC said the Belarus National Olympic Committee has a good reputation and follows the Olympic Charter.
• Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee condemned the move and argued Belarus supports Russia’s war and that the Belarus NOC is led by Viktor Lukashenko.