IOC eases restrictions on Russians before 2028 LA Games as anthem, flag ban remains

More than four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday lifted some restrictions allowing their athletes compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions,” IOC president Kirsty Coventry said at a meeting in Lausanne.

However, the IOC kept in place the ban on the Russian national anthem being played and the flag being displayed, for the time being, but stipulated returning Russian athletes would have to pass “multiple” doping tests before being allowed to participate.

The accompanying statement, laying out a host of conditions, said individual sports could decide whether to allow the flag and anthem at their own events or stage competitions in Russia.

As for the Games, with the Los Angeles Olympics two years away, the IOC said it “will take a decision in relation to the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colours or any identifications for the Olympic Games at the appropriate time”.