International Olympic Committee Announces Participation Requirements for Russian and Belarusian Athletes in the Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games under a neutral status. This information was provided on the organization's website.

The statement notes that all athletes must meet strict criteria to qualify. Out of the 4,600 athletes who have qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games, only 11 are individual participants who will compete under neutral flags, consisting of eight Russians and three Belarusians.

The IOC outlines several requirements for these athletes. Specifically, the document states that those who actively support the war will not be permitted to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. Athletes who have contracts with Russian and Belarusian military personnel, as well as those with national security agencies from these countries, will also be excluded from selection.

During the Paris Olympic Games, there will be no presence of the Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems, flowers, or any other national symbols. No officials from Russia or Belarus will be invited or accredited to the Olympics.

The Paris Olympic Games are set to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.