International Olympic Committee Lifts Restrictions on Belarusian Athletes Ahead of 2028 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday the removal of all restrictions on Belarusian athletes, enabling their participation in international competitions, including qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This decision marks a significant shift in the IOC’s stance, which had previously recommended the exclusion of Belarusian and Russian athletes from events since 2022 due to geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Background on Restrictions
Since the onset of the conflict, Belarus has been implicated as a staging ground for military operations. The IOC’s earlier recommendations aimed to address concerns regarding the involvement of Belarus in supporting Russia’s military actions. The organization stated, “The IOC Executive Board no longer recommends any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions governed by International Federations and international sports event organizers.”
The lifting of these restrictions allows Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flag and anthem, including in team sports, and participate in qualifying events for the upcoming Olympics.
Continued Sanctions from World Athletics
Despite the IOC’s decision, World Athletics has confirmed that its sanctions against Belarusian athletes will remain in effect. A spokesperson for World Athletics stated, “As a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, World Athletics sanctions implemented in March 2022, excluding Belarusian and Russian athletes, officials, and supporting personnel from competition, remain in place.” The organization emphasized that it would reconsider its stance only when there is tangible progress towards peace negotiations.
Reactions from Belarus and Ukraine
The ruling has been welcomed by Belarus’ Foreign Ministry and its National Olympic Committee, which expressed that justice has been served. The foreign ministry stated, “The right to participate in international tournaments and the Olympic Games with the national flag and anthem has been restored.” They credited a consistent advocacy for athletes’ rights as a key factor in this outcome.
Conversely, Ukraine’s Olympic Committee has condemned the IOC’s decision, arguing that it undermines fundamental principles of justice and Olympic values. They highlighted that Belarusian territory has been used for military operations against Ukraine, stating, “In the military and humanitarian context, there have been no changes that could serve as grounds for the return of representatives of Belarus to international sport under national symbols.”
Restrictions on Russian Athletes Remain
While Belarusian athletes are set to return to the international stage, restrictions on Russian athletes persist. At the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, only a select group of Russian and Belarusian athletes, who have no ties to military activities, will be allowed to compete as neutral athletes without their national flags.
In December 2025, the IOC encouraged federations to consider the readmission of Russian and Belarusian youth athletes (under-23s) to international events without restrictions, marking a potential easing of sanctions.
Future Considerations for Russian Athletes
The IOC clarified that the lifting of restrictions does not extend to Russian athletes. Ongoing discussions regarding the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and its compliance with anti-doping regulations are under review. IOC President Kirsty Coventry noted that constructive discussions have taken place with the ROC, but unresolved issues remain.
Coventry stated, “Our remit is sport and we have to figure out what it means. We want all athletes to be able to participate. I believe this decision shows that.” However, she added that there is no specific timeline for a potential unrestricted return of Russian athletes to international competitions.
The ROC faced suspension in October 2023 for recognizing regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, which the IOC deemed a violation of the Olympic Charter and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
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Published on 2026-05-08 07:52:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk