IOC restores ROC and advises against new restrictions on Russians
The International Olympic Committee has temporarily lifted the restrictions imposed on Russian athletes and restored the activities of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). Its suspension had been in effect since October 12, 2023.
The decision was made by the IOC Executive Board following an analysis conducted by the IOC Legal Affairs Commission. The committee noted that the ROC no longer includes regional sports organisations operating in territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine. In addition, the Russian side confirmed that it is not conducting and will not conduct any activities there.
At the same time, the IOC intends to closely monitor the situation and any ROC activity in these territories. The Executive Board reserved the right to take additional measures if it considers this necessary.
At the same time, the IOC recommended against imposing additional restrictions on Russian athletes participating in international competitions. Standard anti-doping procedures are the exception. The committee's statement emphasises that athletes must be part of a national anti-doping programme delegated to the International Testing Agency (ITA) and undergo several tests before returning to the international arena.
International federations will determine when these tests are conducted. ROC president Mikhail Degtyarev clarified that neutrality checks have been cancelled.
The IOC also stressed the principle that an athlete's participation in international competitions should not depend on whether their country's government is involved in a war or another conflict. At the same time, the committee will not hold its events in Russia or invite Russian government officials or other Russian officials.
The IOC will consider the possible display of the Russian flag and performance of the anthem at a later date. Thus, the decision to restore the ROC does not yet mean the automatic return of all Russian symbols to international competitions.
Russian alpine skiers remain barred from competitions held under the auspices of FIS. The ban has been in effect since March 2022. Several Russian athletes in different sports were previously admitted to the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Photo: IOC press service
18:13 07.07.26