Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, is set to engage in a high‑level online briefing with leaders of the world’s international sports federations. The central topic on the agenda will be the status of Russian athletes in forthcoming global competitions. This update comes from media outlets monitoring Olympic governance and sports diplomacy.
In the planned online meeting, Bach will join the presidents of the various international federations to discuss whether Russian competitors should participate in events across different sports. Sources indicate that some accommodations or adjustments could emerge from the dialogue, depending on evolving conditions and compliance with international rules.
Earlier in the year, the IOC urged sports federations to bar domestic Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in competitions, citing concerns about fairness and the integrity of international sport. The guidance was delivered to ensure a consistent approach as global sporting bodies evaluated the broader consequences of the conflict and its impact on events, athletes, and fans.
Since that guidance, many federations have taken steps to suspend or remove Russian participants from major events. Officials within the IOC have emphasized that the suspension timeframe remains under review, with ongoing assessments from sport to sport. The sanctions have affected a wide range of disciplines, including soccer, ice hockey, winter sports, volleyball, and numerous other international championships, prompting postponements or cancellations for Russian teams and athletes.
There have been regional developments as well, with reports noting travel and entry restrictions on Russian athletes by neighboring states, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These measures reflect the broader political and security considerations shaping international sport and the rules governing eligibility for competition across borders.