The British government has written to the presidents of the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee expressing support for allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the Paris Games as neutral countries.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from both countries were banned from participating.
However, the IOC and IPC later decided that individuals would be allowed to compete if they compete without a national flag, emblem or national anthem.
Athletes must not publicly support the invasion of Ukraine or contract with the military. That country cannot participate in team competitions.
The government's stance comes despite Lucy Fraser, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, saying last year that she had “no confidence in any plans to allow Russian and Belarusian teams to attend Paris”. .
Fraser also chaired a 36-nation summit that issued a joint statement pledging support for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sporting events.
But officials denied the move signaled a change in direction, with a government spokesperson saying: “Athletes representing Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to participate in national or international sporting competitions. Our position remains unchanged.”
The Government is said to be satisfied with the effectiveness of what it considers to be stricter, more consistent and neutral conditions adopted by both the IOC and IPC.
The Olympic Games will be held from July 26th to August 11th, and the Paralympic Games will be held from August 28th to September 8th.
