The International Olympic Committee Executive Board has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which had been in place since 12 October 2023. The decision follows a thorough analysis by the IOC's Legal Affairs Commission, which determined that the ROC no longer includes regional sports organisations in territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. The ROC confirmed it does not and will not conduct any activities in those territories.
Conditions for reinstatement and monitoring
The IOC EB will continue to closely monitor ROC activities in the affected territories and reserves the right to take further measures if necessary. With qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games underway, the IOC deemed that its previous recommended conditions for Russian athletes and teams, issued on 28 February 2022 and 28 March 2023, are no longer applicable. These conditions had included protective measures for international federations and event organisers.
Anti-doping requirements for returning athletes
According to the IOC, all Russian athletes returning to international competition must meet specific anti-doping requirements. They must be part of a national anti-doping programme delegated to the International Testing Agency. Athletes newly returning must have been tested multiple times prior to their return, based on a sports risk assessment. International federations are responsible for establishing testing timeframes and must agree on an overall testing programme with the ITA, including adequate test numbers and timing.
Should the Russian Anti-Doping Agency still be considered non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2028 before the LA28 Games, the IOC will instruct the ITA to ensure independent testing for all qualified Russian athletes. The IOC also emphasised that, in accordance with the Olympic Charter, the ROC must ensure that athlete selection is based on sports performance and their ability to serve as role models who promote a peaceful society through sport.
Discretion over events and symbols
The IOC stated that decisions on hosting events in Russia, inviting Russian officials, or displaying Russian symbols are at the discretion of each international federation and event organiser, reflecting whether their national federations are in good standing. However, the IOC will not organise events in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events. A decision on displaying the Russian flag, anthem, or colours at the Olympic Games will be taken at an appropriate time.
