Olympic Committee lifts suspension on Russian teams ahead of 2028 Summer games in Los Angeles

The International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday it has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee as the qualification period for the 2028 Summer Olympics is underway.

Russian athletes have been allowed to compete in the international sporting event as individual neutral athletes, but have been banned from competing under the Russian banner since 2023.

The IOC said it has provisionally lifted the suspension after its legal affairs commission determined the body no longer counts regional sports organizations in Ukrainian territory as members. 

The committee clarified that the reversal does not indicate a change in its stance toward Russia's war in Ukraine, despite Ukraine opposing the change. 

"At a time of growing instability and division around the world, the IOC remains committed to promoting peace through sport among people and nations," the committee said in a news release. “The IOC stands in solidarity with the Olympic community of Ukraine, which the Olympic Movement has supported since the beginning of the war, and will continue to do so."

The IOC said it has not yet made a decision on whether it will allow Russia to display its flag or colors, play its anthem, or display any identification for the Olympic Games, but has decided not to hold any IOC events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to its events. 

The move comes after the IOC decided in May to lift its recommended restrictions on Belarusian athletes’ participation in future Games.  

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.