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Sports
IOC Lifts Restrictions On Belarus Athletes Despite Ongoing Ukraine War
TL;DR
The IOC has lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete in international events despite the ongoing Ukraine war. This decision contrasts with the continued restrictions on Russian athletes.
Key points
- IOC lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes
- Belarusian athletes can compete in international events
- Restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place
- Belarus has supported Russia during the Ukraine war
- Lukashenka denied sending Belarusian soldiers to Ukraine
Mentioned in this story
International Olympic CommitteeRussian FederationVladimir PutinAliaksandr Lukashenka
BEIJING, CHINA - FEBRUARY 04: Flag bearers Ignat Golovatsiuk and Hanna Nifantava of Team Belarus lead their team out during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on February 04, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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On May 7, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board announced that it âno longer recommend[ed] any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions governed by International Federationsâ as well as international sporting events. The organization added that it lifted restrictions on Belarus and Belarusian athletes, stating that âathletesâ participation in international competition[s] should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict.â This decision means that Belarusian athletes are now cleared to compete in forthcoming Olympic sporting events, such as the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. While these limitations have been lifted on Belarusian athletes, the IOC stated in its announcement that restrictions on the Russian Federation and its sportsmen and women would remain in effect.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin requested Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenkaâs assistance with the war. Since February 2022, the Belarusian government has allowed the Russian Federation to transport troops and equipment into the country. During the early stages of the war, Russia also launched missiles from Belarusian territory into Ukraine. Additionally, Russian troops stayed in Belarusian barracks. But as the war has progressed, Russia has scaled back its involvement in Belarus. Lukashenka has also denied Putinâs request to send Belarusian soldiers to fight in Ukraine, although he has still continued to support Putin.
In response to Russia launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, various international organizations imposed penalties on the Russian Federation. For example, Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe and suspended from the United Nations Human Rights Council. As for the sports community, FIFA and UEFA banned Russian soccer clubs and national teams from competing in international competitions. Several other sports organizations also Russian athletes, including archery, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, skating, skiing, and volleyball. Additionally, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee imposed restrictions on Russian athletes.
Q&A
Why did the IOC lift restrictions on Belarusian athletes?
The IOC lifted restrictions because it believes athletes' participation should not be limited by their governments' actions, including involvement in conflicts.
What international competitions can Belarusian athletes now participate in?
Belarusian athletes are now cleared to compete in all international competitions, including the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
What is the current status of Russian athletes in relation to the IOC?
The IOC has maintained restrictions on Russian athletes, which remain in effect despite the lifting of restrictions for Belarusian athletes.
How has the Belarusian government been involved in the Ukraine war?
The Belarusian government has allowed Russia to transport troops and equipment into Belarus and has facilitated missile launches into Ukraine, although it has not sent its own soldiers to fight.