The IOC has suspended sanctions against Russian athletes. What is known

On July 7, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the suspension of sanctions against Russian athletes and the temporary restoration of membership of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The IOC decision

The IOC Executive Committee temporarily lifted the suspension of the ROC's activities, which had been in effect since October 12, 2023. The decision was made after a thorough analysis conducted by the IOC Legal Affairs Commission. The IOC Executive Committee will continue to monitor the situation and reserves the right to "take additional measures if necessary."

Cancellation of recommendations for international federations

The IOC also lifted the recommendations for international federations and organizers of international sporting events dated February 28, 2022 and March 28, 2023 regarding restrictions for Russian athletes and teams. Now these requirements no longer apply. The head of the committee, Kirsty Coventry, expressed the hope that the international federations would take into account the IOC's decision to lift anti-Russian sanctions.

However, the IOC noted that it has not yet made a decision on whether Russian athletes and teams will be able to perform with their own flag and anthem.

"The IOC will decide on the placement of the Russian flag, anthem, colors or any identification marks for the Olympic Games at the appropriate time," the committee's press service said.

Anti-doping requirements

At the same time, the IOC imposed anti-doping requirements on Russian athletes. According to the release, all athletes from Russia who return to international competitions must comply with anti-doping requirements.

In particular, until the reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), athlete testing duties will be performed by the International Testing Agency (ITA). Athletes who already participate in international competitions do not need additional checks.

Sports events in Russia

The IOC explained that decisions on the invitation of Russian sports officials, as well as on the demonstration of the Russian flag and anthem, will be made by international sporting events independently. They can organize sports events in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the Olympic Committee itself will not do this.

"In this regard, the IOC will not organize IOC events in Russia and will not invite Russian government or government officials to its events," the organization stressed.

The reaction of the Russian authorities

The Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, the head of the ROC Mikhail Degtyarev announced the cancellation of all checks on the neutrality of Russian athletes. He noted that this was made possible thanks to the consistent legal and diplomatic work of the Ministry of Sports and the Russian Olympic Committee, carried out on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

"The return of our country to the Olympic family is a green light for international federations to restore the rights of all our athletes," the minister said.

According to him, more than 20 international sports federations allow juniors to compete under the Russian flag and with the national anthem, and 10 federations allow all athletes without restrictions. The IOC's decision will significantly speed up this process, the head of the Ministry of Sports assured.

Future prospects

Degtyarev explained that the Russian national team is ahead of the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in the fall of 2026, as well as selection for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The minister stressed that Russian sports authorities have a lot of work to do to implement the decisions of the IOC in international organizations, but the Olympic Committee itself "sends a clear signal: the Olympic movement must be outside politics."