The International Swimming Federation approved the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in a neutral status

The Bureau International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) approved the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions in a neutral status.

Athletes will be admitted subject to a number of criteria, which include lack of active support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Athletes must also pass an anti-doping test.

For each separate type of competition program, a maximum of one athlete from Russia and Belarus will be allowed. They can only take part in individual competitions.

Recall that the World Badminton Federation (BWF) allowed Russians and Belarusians to participate in international competitions in a neutral status. Neutral athletes will be allowed to participate in tournaments under the auspices of the BWF from February 26, 2024.

At the same time, the national Olympic committees of the Scandinavian countries opposed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Sweden, Norway, Finland and other Nordic countries are of the opinion that the situation has not changed since the beginning of the year and there is still no reason to return Russians and Belarusians to competitions.

Earlier, the IOC Executive Board recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions in a neutral status. At the same time, teams from Russia and Belarus, as well as athletes who support the war or have a contract with the armies of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, are not allowed to participate in the tournaments.