- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,193,606
- Reaction score
- 59
Russian and Belarusian figure skaters will be able to compete internationally again under neutral flag from next season after the International Skating Union (ISU) lifted a ban imposed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems," the ISU said in a statement on Tuesday.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus, which has been supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine, were banned from international competition following the full-scale invasion launched on February 24, 2022.
Under the amendment, Russian and Belarusian skaters will be readmitted to competition, unless "they are currently in active service with the armed forces or a national security agency of Russia or Belarus" or if "they have taken active part in military operations in the war against Ukraine or have actively and publicly supported that war" since February 2022.
The ISU said it had taken "into account developments across the Olympic Movement and the differing approaches of other International Federations" in reaching the decision.
Other federations have already lifted their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as individual neutral athletes.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are eligible for neutral status if they pass a strict vetting process that shows they are not affiliated with the military or other security agencies and don't publicly support the Ukraine war. Teams are not permitted to participate.
The ISU stressed it "continues to condemn all armed conflict around the world" and "continues to provide financial support to Ukrainian skaters through various initiatives."
Continue reading...
"Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems," the ISU said in a statement on Tuesday.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus, which has been supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine, were banned from international competition following the full-scale invasion launched on February 24, 2022.
Under the amendment, Russian and Belarusian skaters will be readmitted to competition, unless "they are currently in active service with the armed forces or a national security agency of Russia or Belarus" or if "they have taken active part in military operations in the war against Ukraine or have actively and publicly supported that war" since February 2022.
The ISU said it had taken "into account developments across the Olympic Movement and the differing approaches of other International Federations" in reaching the decision.
Other federations have already lifted their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as individual neutral athletes.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are eligible for neutral status if they pass a strict vetting process that shows they are not affiliated with the military or other security agencies and don't publicly support the Ukraine war. Teams are not permitted to participate.
The ISU stressed it "continues to condemn all armed conflict around the world" and "continues to provide financial support to Ukrainian skaters through various initiatives."
Continue reading...
