Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus is a important staging area.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended this week that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from both countries, but said they could compete as neutral if time or legal constraints prevented their removal. can.
“They will compete under the Paralympic flag and will not be included in the medal tally,” the IPC said in a statement.
“In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the core principles of the IPC, which include a commitment to political neutrality and fairness, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport.
“These are key components of the new IPC constitution that was convened just three months ago at the 2021 IPC General Assembly.”
Russian athletes were already set to compete under the banner of the Russian Paralympic Committee as part of sanctions imposed for a state-sponsored doping program.
IPC confirms it will not host events in Russia, Belarus
The IPC said they would not host any events, including the World and European Championships in Russia and Belarus, until further notice and urged other international and regional para federations to follow a similar approach.
Several sports federations, including world football governing body FIFA and European football governing body UEFA, have banned teams and athletes from both countries, and have also removed important events such as this season’s Champions League final from them.
“Given the time constraints… the IPC Governing Board will meet again after the Games to discuss the matter further and if any additional action is required,” the statement said.
Ukraine’s 20-man contingent arrived in Beijing on Wednesday with nine guides, following fears they might not be able to make it in time for the Games to run from March 4 to 13.