Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Olympic Committee has approved the participation of competitors from Belarus and Russia in the 2024 Paris Games. Following consultations with members, international federations, and National Olympic Committees, the IOC executive board declared in a statement that “no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport.”

As long as they fully uphold the Olympic Charter and haven’t actively backed the war in Ukraine, any Russian or Belarusian athlete would be eligible to compete in the Paris Games as “neutral athletes, as is already happening in professional leagues and some professional sports.”

The Olympic Council of Asia made the declaration after an offer to give Russian and Belarusian competitors entrance to Asian competitions in the lead-up to the Games. Tennis players from those countries have been competing at this year’s Australian Open as independent neutrals, with Melbourne Park’s ban on Russian and Belarusian flags.

Prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia hosted the Winter Olympics, the Formula One Grand Prix, and the men’s FIFA World Cup. Sports also play a significant role in Russian foreign policy. The Winter Olympics, the Formula One Grand Prix, and the men’s FIFA World Cup were all held in Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, a big part in Russian foreign policy is played by sports.

In a joint statement, the non-profit Global Athlete and a group of Ukrainian athletes sharply criticised the choice, claiming it “sends a message that the IOC endorses Russia’s brutal war and invasion of Ukraine.”

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