IOC clears 6 neutral athletes from Russia for 2024 Olympics

MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has adjusted information about neutral athletes from Russia cleared for the Paris Games 2024, now their number stands at six, the IOC website said on Thursday.

"Among the 4,600 athletes from around the world who have qualified for Paris 2024 so far, there are only 11 Individual Neutral Athletes (six with a Russian passport plus five with a Belarusian passport)," the statement said.

Previously, the IOC website said eight individual, neutral athletes from Russia and three from Belarus have been allowed to compete.

Athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports can compete only as individual, neutral athletes, while teams will not be cleared for competition, it said. Athletes and their staff will be denied clearance if they actively support the special military operation in Ukraine or are employed with the national army or security services.

Using the flag, anthem, colors or any other identifiers of Russia or Belarus will not be allowed, and officials from these countries will be barred from the games.

Additionally, the athletes have to pass a doping test and sign updated terms of participation, which include the pledge to honor the Olympic Charter.

On March 28, the IOC recommended that international federations clear Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete on condition they do not support the special military operation and bear no relation to military sport associations.