IOC lifts restrictions for juniors from Russia and Belarus
12 December 2025 10:12
The International Olympic Committee has recommended that sports federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in youth competitions in individual and team sports. The corresponding decision of the IOC Executive Committee was supported by the Olympic Summit on Thursday, December 11, in Lausanne, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
The IOC said that “standard protocols” for flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements should also be applied at tournaments involving juniors if the national federation has a good reputation. It is noted that it will take time for sports organizations to implement the recommendations, but it is expected that they will be applied at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar (Senegal).
“Today’s Olympic Summit recognized that athletes, and young athletes in particular, should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments,” the IOC said in a statement.
At the same time, the committee emphasized that athletes should “support the mission of the Olympic Movement to promote unity and peace.” Those who oppose this may be suspended.
IOC allows international tournaments to be held in Belarus
The IOC also canceled the recommendation, which had been in effect since 2022, not to hold international tournaments in Belarus, which was introduced after some Russian troops entered Ukraine from the territory of this country at the beginning of a full-scale war. At the same time, the IOC noted that international federations should continue to refrain from holding and supporting sporting events in Russia.
The organization also upheld the sanctions imposed on the governments of Russia and Belarus. In particular, these include restrictions on accrediting or inviting officials from these countries to international sporting events, as well as meetings with them.
The IOC recommendations for adult athletes have been retained
The Committee left in place the current restrictions for Russians and Belarusians in adult competitions. For example, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes from Russia and Belarus were allowed to participate under a neutral flag only if they did not actively support the war against Ukraine and were not affiliated with their countries’ security forces or national teams. The demonstration of Russian and Belarusian flags and other symbols of the two countries was also not allowed in the official venues of the Games.
Similar restrictions were imposed on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Winter Olympics to be held in February 2026 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
