Russia may be banned from team competition at the 2024 Olympics
Preventing Russia from participating in team sports, including football, handball and volleyball, was one of the options discussed by the IOC during its March 28-30 meeting in Lausane, Switzerland. Si. On the other hand, officials want to develop criteria for Russian athletes to compete neutrally at international events, paving the way for them to participate in the 2024 Olympics in some form.
The IOC is also considering banning Russian athletes who "commit war crimes", as well as those who actively support the conflict in Ukraine and have ties to the military.
Regarding costumes, from 2023, the IOC began to tighten regulations for Russian athletes. The ban includes Russian insignia on clothing, the Russian flag and anthem.
In January, the IOC said it would draw up a roadmap for athletes from Russia and Belarus, Russia's military ally, to compete as neutrals. Ukraine and several other countries have criticized the plan. Last week, however, a group of 35 countries, including the US, UK and Germany, urged the IOC to identify a possible model of neutrality.
The ban on team sports could be a blow to Russian sport. As a neutral, the Russian women's volleyball team won a silver medal at the 2021 Olympic Games.
Most sports bodies are still imposing a year-long ban on Russia and Belarus because of the war in Ukraine. The ban was recommended by the IOC for the safety of athletes.
Last week, the World Athletics Federation lifted a nearly eight-year ban on Russian athletes due to a doping scandal. However, the agency has not yet allowed them to play again due to the conflict.
The 2024 Olympics will take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The tournament includes 329 events in 32 sports.
Russia has won 194 gold medals, 165 silver and 186 bronze medals at the Olympics, ranking 10th in the list of countries with the most achievements. This achievement does not count the success of the former Soviet Union. Since 2018, due to doping issues, Russian athletes compete under the Russian Olympic flag.
