IOC recommends that Russian, Belarusian athletes take part in int'l events under neutral flag

BRUSSELS. March 28 (Interfax) - Russian and Belarusian athletes may take part in international events under a neutral flag, while participation of Russian and Belarusian national teams in competitions is not being considered, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said.

"The IOC Executive Board today issues to the international federations and international sports events organizers the following recommendations: athletes with Russian or Belarussian passports must compete only as individual and neutral athletes; teams of athletes with Russian or Belarussian passports cannot be considered," Bach said at a press conference

The IOC recommended in February 2022 that international sport federations bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions because of the Ukraine situation. Most federations followed the IOC's recommendations.

In January 2023, the IOC allowed for the participation of Russian athletes in competitions in a neutral status and on some conditions, including condemnation of the special operation in Ukraine.