IOC backs return of Russian individual athletes under neutral flag; Teams remain barred

International Olympic Committee (IOC) has backed Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international sports to compete under a neutral flag but refused to clarify if they will get to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympic body further added that Russian and Belarussian teams won't get to compete in team events.

IOC further stated that athletes, who are actively supporting the Russia-Ukraine War or serving the Russian or Belarusian security agencies, won't be considered too. The set of measures didn't sit well with Germany and Poland as both the nations' politicians made strong remarks.

German Sports Minister Nancy Faeser was first to react as she called the recommendations a "slap in the face" for Ukrainian athletes, who "deserve the solidarity of international sport". "International sport must condemn Russia's brutal war of aggression in no uncertain terms. This can only be done with the complete exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes."

Poland's deputy foreign minister Piotr Warzyk also took to Twitter to call it a 'day of shame of IOC'.

"What positive things has Russia done for their athletes to now take part in competitions!! After Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel!! After the daily bombings of civilian sites!! It's a day of shame for the IOC!! (sic)" Wawrzyk wrote.

IOC president Thomas Bach, who shared the minutes of the Olympic body's Executive Board meeting, that the sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian government remains, making them ineligible to host international sports event in their country. The sanction has been placed since Russia invaded Ukraine back in February 2022.

Russian symbols and officials remain banned

The ban on the flag, anthem, colours, and symbols of both the allied nations remain at sports event and meetings. At the same time, the Russian and Belarusian governments or state officials are barred from entering to any international sporting event.

It's worth noting that Russian flags and symbols were allowed at the recently-concluded Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. International Boxing Association's notorious Russian president Umar Kremlev, who has been at loggerheads with IOC over allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities among other serious charges, was hosted by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) at the event.

As far as the upcoming Olympics are concerned, IOC said they are yet to decide on the fate of Russia and Belarus' participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics and will be taken "at the appropriate time".

"The IOC will take this decision at the appropriate time, at its full discretion, and without being bound by the results of previous Olympic qualification competitions," Bach said. "We want to monitor the implementation of these recommendations as long as possible... to be enabled to take an informed decision."

Bach further added that any Russian or Belarusian athlete qualifying for the Olympics in the coming days won't confirm their places at the 2024 Paris as IOC "expressly reserves the right" to decide on their participation.

"The IOC expressly reserves the right to decide about their participation at the appropriate time, even if they would be considered to have qualified according to the qualification criteria set by their respective International Federations (IFs). The IOC will closely monitor the full implementation of these recommendations by all parties concerned.

"The results of this monitoring procedure will be an important factor in the decision by the IOC concerning the participation of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026," said Bach.