Russia could return to Olympics – candidate for IOC chief

Athletes from the country were banned from taking part in the Games following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022

Russia could be allowed to return to the Olympics once the Ukraine conflict is resolved, World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe has said. In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan released last week, Coe, one of seven candidates vying to replace Thomas Bach as the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), suggested it would be “far better” to have Russian athletes competing than barred from the Games.

The IOC banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. It also recommended that international sports federations follow suit, resulting in the exclusion of both nations from most global sporting events. While the IOC later allowed some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as individuals under neutral flags – including at the Paris Olympics last year – national teams remain barred.

“It’s not for me to design peace treaties, but… if we get to a situation where an agreement is made and it meets with the satisfaction of both sides… it is far better to have people in your sport rather than sitting outside it,” Coe said when asked whether he would allow Russia to return if he becomes IOC president. He added that while the IOC would have to “look very closely” at the situation, he personally sees no issue with Russia’s reinstatement.

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Coe suggested that the Ukraine conflict is the only reason Russia remains excluded from the Olympics, noting that World Athletics previously lifted its eight-year ban on Russian athletes imposed over doping allegations. Moscow has consistently denied claims of state-sponsored doping.

Moscow has long accused Western nations of pressuring sports federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes for political reasons. It has criticized international sports bodies and the IOC in particular for “politicizing” sports.

The IOC election is scheduled for March 20, with Coe competing against six other candidates. Earlier this week, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that the IOC has been encouraging international sports federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status, giving them a chance to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

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However, the IOC is unlikely to make any radical decisions regarding Russia and Belarus before the body’s presidential election, Russian lawmaker Dmitry Svishchev said on Tuesday.

“The IOC will not make any sensational or abrupt moves now ahead of the organization’s presidential election… the most important thing is to continue working, including with international organizations... and be ready to return to the international arena,” Svishchev, the deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, told TASS.