Sports chiefs discussed the issue at the 11th Olympic Summit in Switzerland
The Russian team pictured at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. © Michael Kappeler / picture alliance via Getty Images
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will consider a proposal by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at events held under its auspices. The announcement was made as part of a declaration from the 11th Olympic Summit issued on Friday.
According to the IOC, summit participants had “unanimously agreed” to further explore a proposal by the acting president of the OCA, which would “facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in competitions in Asia under its authority, while respecting the sanctions in place.”
“This initiative [is] to be discussed in the next round of IOC consultation calls with the IOC Members, the athletes’ representatives, the International Federations and the National Olympic Committees,” added the IOC declaration.
Russian and Belarusian athletes are currently sidelined from a large number of international tournaments following an IOC recommendation issued on February 28.
Friday’s statement noted that “sanctions” imposed on Russia and Belarus because of the conflict in Ukraine would remain in place.
That includes the two countries being deprived of the right to host major international sporting events, and the national symbols of the two nations – including their flags and anthems – being prohibited at sports events and meetings.
The IOC said the sanctions measures were still supported by “the vast majority” of participants at the summit, which was held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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