International Olympic Committee recommends ending Belarus restrictions | Olympics News
IOC Calls for Belarusian Athletes to Compete Under National Identity; Probes Continue into Russia’s Status
Published May 7, 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that athletes from Belarus be allowed to compete under their national identity without undergoing a vetting process to establish their neutral status. This shift signals a potential easing of restrictions for Belarusian athletes, marking a significant development in their competitive landscape.
While the directive solely concerns Belarus, it hints at a possible reconsideration of Russia’s status within Olympic circles amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Currently, no similar guidance has been issued for Russian athletes.
A key factor in Russia’s continued exclusion is an investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The investigation is focused on allegations involving Veronika Loginova, an official within the Russian anti-doping agency. The IOC acknowledged the ongoing inquiry, expressing concern over the information being reviewed, but did not name Loginova specifically.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics and February’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, athletes from both Russia and Belarus were required to gain approval as neutrals to participate, asserting that they did not support the war. In total, 32 athletes from the two nations competed in Paris, collectively winning five medals, including one gold in trampoline from a Belarusian athlete.
The IOC stated, “Athletes’ participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict.” This announcement comes as the qualification period for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is set to begin this summer.
Since October 2023, the Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended by the IOC due to its incorporation of regional sports bodies in territories occupied during the conflict in Ukraine. Despite ongoing discussions with the IOC regarding its suspension, the organization remains barred from competition as the IOC’s Legal Affairs Commission continues to assess the situation.
