Ukraine Files Appeal Against IOC Decision to Allow Russian Athletes Back
The Ukrainian Olympic Committee (UOC) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes, arguing it violates the Olympic Charter and was premature.
The Ukrainian Olympic Committee (UOC) announced on Wednesday that it has filed an appeal against the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) July decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes. The UOC argues that the move contradicts the Olympic Charter, was made prematurely, and fails to consider the circumstances that originally led to the disqualification of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
In July, the IOC lifted the ROC’s suspension, removing a series of restrictions imposed on Russian athletes following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision paved the way for Russian athletes to compete in team events and qualification tournaments for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
According to the UOC statement, the appeal was filed on July 28 with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting the annulment of the IOC’s decision. The UOC claims the IOC’s ruling ignores the actual conditions that prompted the initial disqualification.
Notably, Russia’s return to competition remains more restricted than that of Belarus, which the IOC allowed to return without any restrictions regarding national anthem or colors in early May.
