Euractiv learns about EU plans to prevent Russia from returning to international sport

EU countries are discussing measures that would limit the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international sport under the flags of their countries. Several diplomats told Euractiv.

Among the proposals are to impose sanctions against persons associated with Russian and Belarusian sports, visa restrictions, and reduce EU financial support for organizations that allow athletes to compete under the flags of their countries. European states are also considering cutting media revenues linked to Russian athletes, although diplomats said it was difficult to implement.

Another option is to ask third countries not to facilitate the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes. Such proposals were unofficially set out by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, writes Euractiv.

After the start of the special operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended the suspension of Belarusian and Russian athletes from international tournaments. A year later, the IOC called for the admission of athletes from these countries in neutral status to individual competitions. In 2025, the organization recommended that international sports federations allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in youth competitions with a flag and anthem. In July, the IOC reversed the decision to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee.

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