IOC provisionally lifts Russian suspension ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Games
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee on Tuesday and advised sports bodies to end neutral status vetting ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
This major policy shift eases entry requirements for athletes from the country aiming to qualify for the upcoming summer showcase.
The national Olympic body had been suspended since October 2023 after incorporating regional sports councils from occupied territories in Ukraine.
Terms of suspension no longer applicable
Officials in Lausanne determined that the specific conditions leading to the initial ban no longer apply.
Consequently, the three-year vetting programme designed to ensure competitors participated as strict neutrals will be discontinued for qualifying events.
However, approval has not yet been granted for these athletes to compete alongside their national flag and anthem.
Decisions on national symbols remain pending
“That decision will come at an appropriate time,” the Olympic governing body stated.
Attention will now turn to the imminent qualification pathways for various international sporting federations.
The next major competition on the global calendar is the 2026 Youth Summer Games, which open in Dakar, Senegal, on 31 October.