The IOC on Thursday lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes competing in the Olympics, although restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus had been banned from international competition following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, although some were permitted to compete as neutrals.
“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) no longer recommends any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions governed by International Federations (IFs) and international sports event organisers,” the world body said.
IOC also said that athletes’ participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict.
More to follow...
Published on May 07, 2026