By Sushant Singh
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), ending a sanction that had been in place since October 2023 after the ROC incorporated regional sports organisations from occupied Ukrainian territories into its membership.
The IOC has also withdrawn its recommendations restricting the participation of Russian athletes and teams in international competitions. As qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games begins, those guidelines are no longer applicable.
However, the IOC clarified that Russian athletes seeking to return to international competition must continue to meet strict anti-doping requirements, and the organisation will closely monitor compliance.
The IOC also confirmed that it will not stage events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to IOC events. A decision regarding the use of the Russian flag, anthem, and other national symbols at future Olympic Games will be taken at a later stage.
World Athletics Maintains Ban
Despite the IOC’s move, World Athletics has reaffirmed that its position remains unchanged. Russian and Belarusian athletes continue to be banned from all competitions organised under the World Athletics calendar, making them ineligible for the World Athletics Series, the Diamond League, and all other World Athletics events.
The differing positions mean that while the IOC has eased its restrictions ahead of the LA 2028 qualification period, Russian track and field athletes remain excluded from international athletics competitions until World Athletics decides otherwise.