The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), paving the way for Russian athletes to compete in qualification events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, subject to strict eligibility and anti-doping requirements.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, July 7, ends a suspension that had been in place since October 2023 after the IOC determined that the ROC no longer includes regional sports organisations from territories under the jurisdiction of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee. The IOC said the ROC has also confirmed it will not conduct sporting activities in those territories.
With qualification events for the LA 2028 Olympics already underway, the IOC Executive Board ruled that its recommendations restricting the participation of Russian athletes and teams are no longer applicable. The move restores access to international competitions for many Russian athletes after years of sporting isolation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, the IOC stressed that the lifting of the suspension does not represent a complete return to normal relations with Russia, insisting that several restrictions remain in place while compliance with anti-doping and Olympic Charter requirements will be closely monitored.
Strict Conditions Remain for Russian Athletes
Although Russian athletes are now eligible to pursue qualification for LA 2028, they must satisfy enhanced anti-doping measures before returning to international competition.
The IOC said all returning athletes must be enrolled in a national anti-doping programme administered through the International Testing Agency (ITA). Athletes seeking to return must also undergo multiple tests before competing, with each International Federation determining the testing timeline based on the risk profile of its sport.
The committee added that if the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) remains non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code by 2028, the IOC will require independent testing of all qualified Russian athletes before they are allowed to participate at the Games.
In addition to sporting performance, the IOC reminded the ROC that athletes selected for the Olympics must demonstrate the values of the Olympic Charter, including promoting peace through sport and serving as role models.
Flag and Anthem Decision Still Pending
While Russian athletes have been cleared to resume qualification, the IOC has not yet decided whether they will compete under the Russian flag or anthem at the Los Angeles Games.
The organisation said a separate decision regarding the display of Russia’s national symbols, including its flag, colours and anthem, will be taken at an appropriate time before the Olympics.
The IOC also confirmed that it will continue refusing to organise Olympic events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to IOC competitions.
Responsibility for allowing Russian participation in other international sporting events will remain with individual International Federations and event organisers, which may adopt their own eligibility rules depending on their statutes and governance.
The IOC noted that different federations have already adopted varying approaches, ranging from full reinstatement to continued restrictions or participation under neutral status.
IOC Says Position on Ukraine Unchanged
The Olympic body insisted that the decision does not signal a change in its stance on the war in Ukraine. “The IOC took a very clear stance against the invasion, strongly condemning it. This position remains unchanged,” the organisation said in its statement.
It added that it remains committed to supporting Ukrainian athletes through financial assistance, training opportunities, travel support, accommodation and equipment provided under its Olympic Solidarity programmes.
According to the IOC, these initiatives helped Ukrainian athletes compete successfully at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics despite the ongoing conflict.
The IOC explained that the latest decision reflects its commitment to ensuring equal access to Olympic qualification while protecting the principle that athletes should not be denied participation solely because of their nationality or the actions of their governments.
Russian athletes had previously competed as Individual Neutral Athletes at several international events, including Paris 2024 and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with the IOC reporting that their participation occurred largely without incident.
The provisional lifting of the ROC suspension is expected to have significant implications for the build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as Russian athletes begin returning to qualification events across multiple sports after nearly four years of sweeping international restrictions.
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