UK Government Supports Paris 2024 Decision Allowing Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete.

Multi Sports Paris 2024 Olympics

UK Government Supports Paris 2024 Decision Allowing Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete.

The UK government has sent letters to the presidents of the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee, backing their decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Paris Games as neutral competitors.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were initially banned from competing. 

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have now allowed individual athletes from these countries to participate in the Paris Games as neutral athletes, without using their flags, emblems, or anthems.

To qualify, athletes must not have publicly supported the invasion of Ukraine or be linked to the military. Team events are also off-limits for these countries.

Despite previous skepticism from Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, who doubted the credibility of allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes in Paris, the UK government now supports this decision. This stance is not a reversal but rather a recognition of the stricter neutrality conditions set by the IOC and IPC.

The government remains firm that athletes representing Russia and Belarus should not compete under their country's banner in any domestic or international sports. 

The Olympics are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.