Russians and Belarusians can take part in the Olympic Games: What is known

To extend: at the IOC plan to allow athletes of Russia and Belarus under a neutral flag. To do this, they have to qualify through sports federations, but most of the athletes are excluded. The International Olympic Committee called on the Winter Sports Federations to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in the Olympics under the neutral flag. About it writes Stv Sport with reference to sources in the IOC.

Thus, at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris last year, 15 Russian athletes competed under a neutral flag. IOC also wants to implement it at the 2026 Olympic Games. However, for this possible, Russian and Belarusian athletes should be able to qualify through their specialized sports federations. This information is also confirmed by the President of the International Union of Biathletes Olle Dalin.

"However, the decision we made today is that Russia and Belarus are stopped members, so this is not the issue we discuss," he added. Since the beginning of the full -scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Russian athletes have been expelled from several largest winter sports federations, in particular, from the International Hockey Federation. In addition, they did not participate in the Biathlon World Cup, skiing and other sports.

The Russians are also expelled from the International Hockey Federation. We will remind, in November 2024 the Russian woman was deprived of a silver medal received at the Olympics in London 12 years before. It is disqualified for 10 years for violation of anti -doping rules at games.