IOC: suspension of the Russian NOC lifted; decision pending on national anthems, flags and emblems

"The International Olympic Committee executive board has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) that had been in effect since 12 October 2023," the body announced on 7 July 2026.

The IOC has therefore suspended its recommendations regarding the conditions for the participation of Russian athletes and teams in its competitions. Until now, those recommendations had provided for the participation of individual athletes under a neutral flag, while prohibiting Russian teams from taking part in any competition organised by the Olympic Movement. Athletes eligible to compete under a neutral flag were also required not to have actively supported the war against Ukraine and not to be under contract with the Russian or Belarusian armed forces or with national…