IOC Excludes Russian and Belarusian Flags from Paris Olympics Amid Controversy

Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems from the Paris Olympics, though some athletes from these countries may still compete as “neutrals.”

This decision follows the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctions against Russia and Belarus due to their roles in the conflict, with Belarus being used as a staging ground for attacks on Ukraine. The participation of these athletes under a neutral status has sparked controversy, particularly among Ukrainians and pro-Ukrainian groups who demand a complete ban.

The invasion, which began on February 24, 2022, right between the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics, triggered widespread international condemnation and sanctions. The IOC criticized Russia’s actions as a violation of the Olympic Truce, a tradition of peace around the Games.

To further isolate Russia and Belarus, the IOC implemented sanctions prohibiting the display of their national symbols and the accreditation of their government officials at the Paris Games.

Despite these measures, some Russian and Belarusian athletes can still compete under strict conditions as Athlète Individuel Neutre (AIN).

These athletes must not support the war, be free from military ties, and comply with all anti-doping regulations. They will not be allowed to use any national symbols or participate in the opening ceremony, competing instead under a neutral flag created specifically for this purpose.

This is not the first time Russian athletes have faced such restrictions. After a state-sponsored doping scandal, Russian athletes competed neutrally in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) was later reinstated but faced suspension again in October 2023 for including regional sports organizations from annexed Ukrainian territories. The ROC’s appeal against this suspension was rejected.

The decision to allow some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete has led to significant opposition. In April, 20 British MPs and various pro-Ukrainian groups urged for a total ban.

They argue that permitting even neutral participation undermines international condemnation of Russia’s aggression and the sacrifices of Ukrainian athletes affected by the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this sentiment, stressing that any form of participation sends the wrong message about the war.

Furthermore, the international rights group Global Rights Compliance (GRC) claims that some Russian and Belarusian athletes set to compete have violated the IOC’s neutrality rules by expressing pro-war sentiments or having ties to military institutions.

The IOC maintains that its neutral athlete quotas and eligibility decisions are made according to established guidelines, but critics argue that failing to enforce these rules undermines the IOC’s commitments to peace and human rights.