IOC calls for international event ban for athletes from Russia and Belarus

The International Olympic Committee has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be prevented from competing in international events, paving the way for a complete ban on Russian involvement in global sport.

The news came as further countries – including Wales and Scotland – said they would not compete against Russia in football internationals, and Uefa and Fifa were expected to take further action by the close of the day.

In a lengthy declaration on Monday afternoon, which is expected to set in place a domino effect among other sporting organisations, the IOC said it was acting with “a heavy heart” as it called for a ban on both Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials.

“In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants,” the statement said, “the IOC executive board recommends that international sports federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”

The IOC did, however, leave some leeway in their statement. They suggested that organisers of tournaments taking place imminently could take different decisions. This included the neutralised approach adopted by Fifa on Sunday with regards to Russia’s World Cup play-offs, although reports on Monday afternoon suggested that position could yet be about to change.

“Wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC EB strongly urges international sports federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that … Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes