Unexpected decision/ Suspension against Russian teams lifted

2026-07-08 11:17:00, Sport CNA

The International Olympic Committee has taken an important step for Russian sport, deciding to temporarily lift the suspension against the Russian Olympic Committee, a measure that had been in effect since October 12, 2023. The decision was made by the Executive Committee following an analysis conducted by the Legal Affairs Commission.

According to the assessment, the Russian Olympic Committee no longer has in its composition regional sports organizations operating in territories that are considered part of the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. In addition, the Russian sports authorities have guaranteed that they do not conduct and do not plan to conduct sports activities in these territories in the future. This element was considered an important factor for the review of the suspension status.

However, the Olympic Committee has clarified that the decision does not constitute the closure of the case. The organization has announced that it will continue to carefully monitor the situation and activities of the Russian Olympic Committee. In the event that developments that contradict the established conditions are identified, the Olympic Committee reserves the right to take further disciplinary measures. This decision comes at an important moment for international sport, as the qualifying periods for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games have begun.

According to the Olympic Committee, the need to provide athletes with equal access to the qualification processes was one of the main reasons that led to this decision. For this reason, the organization has decided that the conditions recommended in February 2022 and March 2023 for the participation of Russian athletes and teams in international competitions will no longer be applicable in the same form.

However, the return will not be complete. Russian athletes will not immediately regain the right to use the national flag and anthem of the Russian Federation in Olympic competitions. Also, the return process will be accompanied by special conditions and ongoing controls.

An important part of these conditions is related to the issue of anti-doping. The Olympic Committee has emphasized that any Russian athlete who will participate in international competitions must meet all established anti-doping requirements.

The organization has also emphasized that Russian athletes who will be selected for the Olympic Games should be evaluated not only for their sporting results, but also for their ability to represent the values ??of the Olympic Charter and promote a peaceful society through sport.

If the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, Rusada, is found to be non-compliant with UADA standards during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Olympic Committee has announced that it will task the International Anti-Doping Agency to conduct independent testing of Russian athletes who will qualify.