Belarus Set for Olympic Return as IOC Removes Sporting Restrictions

The International Olympic Committee has officially lifted all restrictions on Belarusian athletes and teams, paving the way for their full return to international sporting competitions and qualification events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision marks a major reversal of sanctions imposed in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine using Belarusian territory as a staging ground. Since then, Belarusian athletes had been barred from many international competitions or forced to compete as neutral athletes without their national flag, anthem, or symbols.

In a statement released Thursday, the IOC Executive Board said it “no longer recommends any restrictions” on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions organised by international sports federations and event organisers.

The ruling means Belarusian athletes can now compete freely under their national identity in both individual and team sports. It also allows them to participate in all Olympic qualification events beginning later this year for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

However, restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place. The IOC said the situation involving the Russian Olympic Committee is still under legal review following its suspension in 2023 for recognising Olympic councils in occupied Ukrainian territories.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the organisation remains focused on ensuring athletes are not punished for the political actions of their governments while balancing the principles of international sport.

Despite the IOC’s decision, some international federations are maintaining their own sanctions. World Athletics announced that Belarusian and Russian athletes will continue to be excluded from athletics competitions until there is meaningful progress toward peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine.

The move is expected to spark renewed debate within the global sporting community, with Ukraine and several European nations previously criticising efforts to reintegrate Russian and Belarusian athletes into international competitions.