IOC approves changes to Olympic Charter that could ease Russia's return to competition

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced changes to the Olympic Charter aimed at strengthening the principle of political neutrality in sport.

Source: IOC press service

Details: The amendments were adopted on Wednesday 14 May during the 146th IOC Session. The IOC said the changes are intended to "apply neutrality at all times" and make it "free from governmental, cultural, societal or economic pressure".

Rob Koehler, Director General of Global Athlete, who opposed the amendments, believes they could weaken barriers to Russia's full return to international sport.

"The message will be unmistakable: war, systematic doping and repeated violations of the Olympic Charter are no longer barriers to full participation," he said.

Background:

• Russian athletes have been subject to sanctions following the doping scandal linked to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, as well as IOC recommendations issued in 2022 calling for the exclusion of athletes after the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. The membership of the Russian Olympic Committee was suspended in October 2023 for violating the Olympic Charter.
• Recently, the IOC has gradually eased some restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus. In particular, it lifted the suspension preventing Belarusian athletes from competing under their national flag in international competitions, including qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. These restrictions remain in force for Russian athletes for the time being, although discussions about revising them are ongoing.

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