The IOC Executive Board made the decision after a “thorough analysis,” the organization announced on Tuesday. The basis was that the Russian committee no longer includes regional sports organizations from Ukrainian-controlled territories and has pledged not to conduct activities there. Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) immediately protested, calling the move premature. It said it had repeatedly provided the IOC with evidence that the ROC continues to violate the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian NOC.
The IOC stressed that the decision is temporary and that it will continue to monitor the situation. The final eligibility of individual athletes remains with the international sports federations and tournament organizers. It remains open whether Russia will be allowed to use its national flag, national colors, and anthem at the Los Angeles Games.
As early as May, the IOC recommended lifting all restrictions on Belarusian athletes. At the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, only a few Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete – and only in individual events as neutral participants without national symbols. Ukraine’s NOC had expressed “deep disappointment” at the time, noting that Belarus continues to support Russia’s aggression.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan commented that given Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the IOC decision will be controversial and criticized especially in Europe. However, it is not surprising. As early as February, IOC Kirsty Coventry emphasized that sport must remain a “neutral space” – a signal interpreted as an indication of a possible easing of sanctions against Russia.
Source: www.bbc.com
