International Olympic Committee bans Russian flags at 2026 Olympics, including in stands

Oleksii Murzak - 7 January, 20:19

The Olympic flag flies alongside the Russian tricolour inside an arena. Photo: EPA

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned the use of the Russian flag and other national symbols at the 2026 Olympic Games.

Source: a letter obtained by Sveriges Radio

Details: The ban applies both to competitors and to fans in stadiums.

Quote: "The Russian flag and other symbols linked to Russia will be banned at the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo."

More details: The rule was highlighted after a Russian flag appeared in the stands during the Tour de Ski. Following a race in which Saveliy Korostelev finished fourth, fans with a Russian flag were seen inside the venue.

Russian athletes are set to compete as neutrals, meaning the restriction on athletes has been already applied.

Background:

It was reported earlier that, as at Paris 2024, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not take part in the opening ceremony at the 2026 Games, will be barred from team events and medals won by neutral athletes will not be shown in the medal table.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry has said that a possible truce does not change the conditions for Russian athletes to take part in the Winter Olympics in 2026.

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