IOC and Russian Athletes Recommendations
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
On 28 March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations for the gradual return to international competitions of Russian and Belarussian athletes as ‘neutrals’, that is without flags and anthems.
The IOC President, Dr Thomas Bach, stated that the participation of these athletes “works” despite the war in Ukraine.
These recommendations do not apply to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, in respect of which a separate decision will be taken later by the IOC at its “discretion”.
Bach added that:
“Sports organisations must have the sole responsibility to decide which athletes can take part in international competitions based on their sporting merits and not on political grounds or because of their passports.”
These athletes cannot take part in team events and must have a proven drugs testing record.
Also, athletes who support the war or are contracted to their countries’ military or national security agency are excluded.
The IOC recommendations have met with angry reactions from several countries, including Ukraine, who are threatening to boycott the 2024 Olympics, even if the Russian and Belarussian athletes compete as ‘neutrals’.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
