Lausanne: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and said its recommendations restricting the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions are no longer applicable.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IOC Executive Board stated that the decision was made after concluding that "the ROC no longer includes as its members any regional sports organizations in territories falling under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine." The ROC has confirmed it does not conduct any activities in these contested regions, which was a key factor in the IOC's decision.

With qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympics, also known as the LA28 Olympics, and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympics already underway, the IOC announced that its previous recommendations issued in February 2022 and March 2023 to international federations and sports event organizers regarding Russian athletes and teams are "no longer applicable."

The IOC emphasized that the ROC must ensure athletes selected for the Olympics adhere to the Olympic Charter by promoting a peaceful society through sport. Furthermore, all returning Russian athletes must comply with enhanced anti-doping measures, given ongoing concerns over the governance of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency.

Returning athletes are required to participate in an anti-doping program managed by the International Testing Agency and must undergo multiple tests before they can compete internationally. The period of required testing will be determined by each international federation.

The IOC noted that decisions on holding competitions in Russia, inviting Russian government officials, or allowing Russian national symbols at events will be left to the discretion of individual international federations and event organizers. The IOC clarified that it will not host events in Russia or invite Russian state officials, and decisions regarding the display of Russian national symbols at the Olympic Games will be made "at the appropriate time."

The IOC reiterated its unchanged stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, expressing continued solidarity with Ukraine's Olympic community through various support programs.