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IOC President Kirsty Coventry recently suggested as much: “Our game is sport. That means keeping sport neutral. Every athlete can compete freely without being hampered by political or governmental differences.”
Although she did not directly mention any specific country, the comments were widely interpreted as hints that some of the Olympic bans on Russia and Belarus could be lifted. Her comments were warmly welcomed by Russian officials, with Russia’s sports minister suggesting the IOC could consider reinstating the rule in the spring.
So, can Russia’s Olympic journey be over by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? Notably, US President Donald Trump’s Special Representative for Global Partnerships, Paolo Zampoli, appeared to support Russia’s participation in the Paralympics, According to reports, “Sports is for everyone.”, external
While some international sports organizations, such as World Athletics, continue to impose blanket bans on Russian athletes, others have begun to relax restrictions.
For example, last year the International Judo Federation Allow them to play under their own flag. In December, the International Olympic Committee recommended that sports governing bodies allow young Russian athletes to Participate in international competitions againunder its own flag and national anthem.
In international football, there are also moves to reintegrate into Russia. The country is unable to participate in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently said the governing body would consider lifting the ban, adding that the sanctions had “achieved nothing” and “only created more frustration and hatred”.
Ukraine remains firmly opposed to such moves. According to the Ukrainian Sports Minister, Russia has killed more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches and damaged 814 sports facilities.
Global Athletes, an international organization for sport and exercise led by athletes, said: “Now is the time for sport to show leadership, not weakness.
“The global sports community must unite and demand that the IOC increase sanctions against Russia, not ease them.
“Russia should be allowed to return only when the war is over and Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine. Ukraine, a peaceful country, needs support, not enablers.”
The IPC may have paved the way for other global sports bodies to follow suit. The Russian ban could be seen as undermining their insistence on the separation of sport and politics at a time of geopolitical turmoil that has seen the organizations more frequently be called upon to take stances against certain countries.
But while the conflict continues, any action taken by the IOC, FIFA or other sports bodies will be met with considerable opposition, especially in Europe.
