World Athletics maintains ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international events

World Athletics has upheld its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international events.

Source: press service for World Athletics

Details: The issue was considered at the World Athletics Council meeting held on 1-2 July.

Quote: "The Council reaffirmed the decision it made in March 2022, revisited in 2023 and 2025 and discussed again in March 2026 to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and supporting personnel from international competition."

Details: The decision was taken due to the lack of meaningful progress in peace negotiations.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have been barred from competitions under the auspices of World Athletics since March 2022. The organisation imposed the sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the decision has been repeatedly upheld since then.

Background: On 7 May, the International Olympic Committee recommended that sports federations lift restrictions on Belarusian athletes' participation in international competitions.

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