IOC confirms Russia’s exclusion from Italy 2026 Winter Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it has banned Russian sports teams, specifically the national ice hockey team, from participating in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Italy.

This decision is a continuation of existing sanctions implemented following Russia’s military intervention against Ukraine.

The IOC’s need for clarification on this matter arose following reports from Russia that discussions had taken place between the Russian Hockey Federation and representatives of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) regarding the national team’s possible participation in the Games.

IOC’s recommendation remains in effect

According to Reuters, an IOC statement said, “The recommendation made by the IOC Executive Board in March 2023 regarding the participation of athletes with Russian passports remains in effect. This decision is based on the fact that a group of individual neutral athletes cannot, by definition, be considered a team. We have taken note that the IIHF has confirmed its commitment to comply with this recommendation.”

ROC’s membership suspended due to violations

The IOC suspended the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in October 2023, citing violations of the Olympic Charter.

The primary reason for this decision was Russia’s recognition of regional Olympic councils in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

The committee stated at the time, “Such actions violate the territorial integrity of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, which is recognized by the IOC.”

Neutral participation was possible at Paris 2024

Despite strict restrictions, some athletes from Russia and Belarus obtained the right to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

However, their participation was only possible after a thorough review and strictly under a neutral status, without flags, anthems, or national symbols.

According to Reuters, four Russian figure skaters in the men’s and women’s singles disciplines received permission from the International Skating Union to participate in qualifying competitions for the 2026 Games; however, this permission will also only be valid under neutral athlete status.

Differing statements from Russia

In mid-April, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov, who also serves as President of the ROC, suggested that the ROC’s IOC membership could be reinstated within two to three months.

Degtyaryov stated, “In my assessment, the committee will be recognized in the next two to three months. After the ROC’s membership is restored, we will start applying to host international competitions this summer. There is a high probability of this happening.”

In contrast, on May 25, the press service of the Russian Hockey Federation announced that the ROC had not received official notification from the IOC that the national ice hockey team would not be allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympics.

However, the Latvia-based media outlet Sportacentrs, citing sources, claimed that the Russian team’s participation in the Games is unlikely.