The International Olympic Committee has lifted its recommendations restricting Belarusian athletes and now allows them to participate in international competitions under the national flag, anthem, and other state symbols.
The decision was announced in an IOC statement published on May 7.
The IOC said athletes should not be restricted from international competition because of the actions of their governments, including in cases of wars or conflicts.
The committee also noted that Belarusian athletes had already participated in international tournaments and Olympic Games as neutral athletes “without incidents on or off the field of play.”
At the same time, the IOC decision does not apply to athletes holding Russian passports. The committee explained that the Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended.
In response, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine expressed a “categorical protest” and said the IOC decision contradicts the principles of fairness and Olympic values.
The Ukrainian NOC stressed that Belarus continues to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and that Belarusian territory is used for missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The committee also stated that during more than four years of full-scale war, Russia, with Belarusian support, destroyed hundreds of sports facilities in Ukraine and caused the deaths of more than 600 Ukrainian athletes and coaches.
NOC of Ukraine President Vadym Huttsait called the IOC decision “a dangerous precedent for the international sports movement.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said the IOC decision reflects “an openly weak position” that contradicts the real situation.
The ministry also stressed that the appearance of Belarusian or Russian symbols at international sporting events during the war is “immoral.”
