War in Ukraine: IOC recommends that no Russian or Belarusian athletes participate in competitions

"In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions," said the IOC on 28/02/2022, three days after urging "all International Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus." Vladimir Putin President of Russia began the invasion of Ukraine on 24/02/2022.

"Wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC executive board (EB) strongly urges International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems…