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IOC Lifts ROC Suspension, Allows 2028 Athletes Amid Flag Uncertainty

7/7/2026

Summary

IOC Lifts Suspension

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension on Tuesday, permitting athletes to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, while still undecided on Russia’s flag, colours or anthem.
Returning athletes must meet anti-doping requirements and undergo multiple tests before competition.
The IOC will monitor the ROC, said it will not operate in Ukrainian NOC territories, and will not host events in Russia nor invite Russian officials.

Summary

IOC Ends Vetting

IOC ended the three-year vetting program for Russian neutral status before the 2028 qualifiers.
Russia’s team dropped from over 300 athletes and 71 medals in Tokyo 2021 to 32 athletes and five medals in Paris 2024.
Belarusian athletes will compete under their national flags despite their alliance with Russia in the Ukraine war.
The IOC reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine’s Olympic community while refusing to host events in Russia or invite its officials.

History

Historical Context

In May 1992 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 757, banning the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from the Barcelona Games; the IOC let 58 athletes compete as Independent Olympic Participants, winning three medals. That precedent of sanctions shaping Olympic eligibility now echoes in the IOC’s provisional lifting of the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension, tying participation to political and anti-doping compliance.

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IOC Lifts Suspension

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension on Tuesday, permitting athletes to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, while still undecided on Russia’s flag, colours or anthem.
Returning athletes must meet anti-doping requirements and undergo multiple tests before competition.
The IOC will monitor the ROC, said it will not operate in Ukrainian NOC territories, and will not host events in Russia nor invite Russian officials.

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