The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee.
The IOC has also rescinded its previous recommendations, dated March 28, 2023, regarding the participation of Russian athletes under a neutral flag and restrictions related to team sports. The decision to conduct additional checks on athletes to ensure they meet the criteria for neutral status has also been revoked.
Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee has lifted restrictions on holding international sporting events in Russia.
In accordance with the IOC’s decision, athletes returning to international competition will temporarily undergo testing under the supervision of the International Testing Agency (ITA) until the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) regains its status.
The IOC’s decision opens up new opportunities for the further restoration of Russian athletes’ full participation in the international sports movement and marks an important step in the process of bringing national teams back to the world stage.
To date, a number of international sports federations already allow Russian athletes to compete under the national flag and with the national anthem. The IOC’s decision will serve as an additional factor in continuing the process of restoring Russian athletes’ full participation in international competitions.
The European Sambo Federation continues to monitor developments and subsequent decisions by international sports organizations.