World Athletics rejects IOC proposal to lift Belarus ban
Summary
World Athletics has decided to keep the ban on Belarusian athletes competing under their national flag, despite the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) suggestion to lift this ban. The ban was originally put in place due to Belarus’ support of Russia during the invasion of Ukraine, and World Athletics says it will only review the ban if peace talks start.Key Facts
- Belarusian and Russian athletes were banned from competing under their national flags after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
- Since 2023, athletes from Belarus have been allowed to compete as neutral athletes, not representing their country.
- The IOC executive board recommended allowing Belarusian athletes to compete under their flag again, but keeping restrictions on Russia.
- The IOC says Belarus’ Olympic Committee follows the Olympic rules and Belarusian athletes haven’t caused problems while competing as neutrals.
- World Athletics refuses to lift the ban on Belarusian athletes until there is progress toward peace negotiations.
- Russia remains banned due to ongoing doping concerns and investigations by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
- Some sports organizations, like the International Paralympic Committee and World Aquatics, have allowed Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete under their flags recently.
- The decision about Belarus comes as qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games is starting soon.
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