IOC President Kirsty Coventry recently said: “Our game is a sport. This means keeping sport on a neutral basis, where all athletes can compete freely without interference from politics or government departments.”
Although she did not directly mention any specific country, the comments were widely interpreted as hinting at the possibility of the partial Olympic ban on Russia and Belarus being lifted. Her words were met with a warm welcome by Russian officials, with the sports minister suggesting the IOC might consider a return in the spring.
So, can Russia’s Olympic exile end by the 2028 LA Olympics? In particular, Paulo Zampolli, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Representative for Global Partnerships, showed support for Russia’s participation in the Paralympic Games, saying, “Sports are for everyone.”, external
Some international sports bodies, such as World Athletics, continued their outright bans on Russian athletes, but others began to ease restrictions.
For example, last year the International Judo Federation allowed them to compete under the national flag. And in December, the IOC recommended sports governing bodies allow Russian youth athletes to compete internationally again under their own flag and anthem.
There is also a movement in the international soccer world to reintegrate Russia. The country was unable to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. But FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently said the organization would consider lifting the ban, adding that the sanctions had “achieved nothing” and “only created more frustration and hatred.”
Ukraine’s opposition to such a move remains steadfast. Russia has killed more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches and damaged 814 sports facilities, according to Russia’s Sports Minister.
Global Athlete, an international athlete-led movement and campaign group, said: “It’s time for sport to show leadership, not weakness.
“The global sports community must stand together and demand that the IOC strengthen sanctions against Russia, not ease them.
“Russia should be allowed to return only when the war ends and Russia withdraws from Ukraine. Ukraine, a peaceful country, needs support, not helpers.”
The IPC may have paved the way for other global sporting bodies to follow suit. As geopolitical upheaval occurs and calls for these organizations to take a stand against certain countries become more frequent, Russia’s suspension could be seen as undermining their argument for separating sports and politics.
But while the conflict continues, any move by the IOC, FIFA or other sports bodies will be met with significant opposition, especially in Europe.
