IOC Lifts Suspension of Russian Olympic Committee for 2028 Games
9 verified5 unconfirmed
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, clearing the way for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The suspension was imposed in 2023 after Russia recognized regional sports organizations in occupied Ukrainian territories. The IOC stated that condition no longer applies. Russian athletes will still need to meet anti-doping requirements and will not yet be allowed to display their flag, colors, or anthem. A decision on national symbols will come later. The IOC reiterated its condemnation of the war in Ukraine and its support for the Olympic community of Ukraine. Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision, saying the Games should remain free from politics. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said athletes should not be penalized for their government's actions.
What’s verified
The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee that was imposed in 2023.
The decision allows Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pending anti-doping requirements.
The IOC stated the ban was no longer applicable because the Russian Olympic Committee no longer includes regional sports organizations in occupied Ukrainian territories.
No decision has been made on allowing Russia to display its flag, colors, or anthem at the Olympics.
The IOC said it will not organize events in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events.
Russian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
At the 2024 Paris Games, just 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus competed as neutrals, winning five medals; the Russian team had over 300 athletes at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won 71 medals.
Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev praised the decision, saying the Olympic movement must be free from politics.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that athletes should not be held responsible for their government's actions.
Not yet confirmed
The exact timing of a key step by the International Paralympic Committee varies between sources: one report states the IPC voted to readmit Russian athletes in September 2025, while another indicates a step occurred in March (year unspecified) when Russian athletes competed under their flag at the Winter Paralympics.
One source notes that IOC President Kirsty Coventry made comments in February that were widely interpreted as hinting at reinstatement.
One source reports that World Athletics rejected a recommendation to lift the ban on Belarusian athletes.
One source states the IOC advised sports bodies to end a three-year neutral vetting program for Russians.
One source mentions that the next Olympic competition is the 2026 Youth Summer Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Key figures
Kirsty Coventry (IOC President)
Mikhail Degtyarev (Russian sports minister)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (President of Ukraine)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports, dw.com, abcnews.com
