The IOC has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

2026, July 7

Russia

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), a major policy shift that opens the way for Russian athletes to return to international competition ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The suspension, imposed in 2023, followed the ROC's recognition of sports organizations in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. The IOC says that issue has now been resolved because the ROC no longer administers those organizations.

Key points of the decision include:

Russian athletes may again be eligible to compete internationally, subject to the rules of their individual international sports federations.

The IOC has not yet decided whether Russia will be allowed to compete under its national flag, anthem, and colors at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Enhanced anti-doping requirements remain in place, and Russian athletes will continue to undergo strict testing because Russia's anti-doping system remains under scrutiny.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions:

Russian officials welcomed it as a step toward full reintegration into the Olympic movement.

Ukrainian officials strongly criticized the move, calling it premature while Russia's war in Ukraine continues.

Some international federations, including World Athletics, still maintain their own restrictions, so Russian participation will vary by sport.

This means the IOC's decision does not automatically restore Russia to every international sport. Each sport's governing body retains authority over its own eligibility rules, meaning Russian athletes may return in some competitions sooner than others.