Key facts
- IOC lifts suspension of Russian Olympic Committee.
- Russian athletes can compete in LA 2028 Games.
- Ban was initially for state-sponsored doping and invasion of Ukraine.
- Athletes must meet anti-doping criteria.
- Russian government officials will not be invited to Olympic events.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), allowing Russian athletes to potentially compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This decision reverses a ban that had been in place since 2017 due to state-sponsored doping and was extended following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the move aims to ensure athletes are not punished for their government's actions, while still condemning global violence. Russian athletes will need to undergo doping tests and adhere to Olympic charter values, but the previous vetting process for "individual neutral athletes" has been removed. The IOC will not host events in Russia or invite Russian government officials, and decisions regarding the display of national symbols are pending. While some sports federations like World Athletics have maintained their exclusion of Russian athletes, Russia's sports minister welcomed the IOC's decision, anticipating the reinstatement of national teams in international competitions.