The IOC mentioned that those impacted by the ban would be allowed to “witness” the ceremony without actively engaging in it. It was announced by the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be permitted to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the previous year, the IOC decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in the Games as neutral participants, without their national flags or anthems. On Tuesday, the committee outlined a set of guidelines for these neutral athletes.

During the opening ceremony in July, boats representing each national delegation will sail along the River Seine, marking the first time the ceremony will occur outside of a stadium. However, neutral athletes will not take part in the procession of delegations (teams) during the Opening Ceremony, as they are considered individual competitors, the IOC clarified. “The committee further mentioned that arrangements will be made to allow their participation,” the committee added.

The IOC expects that 36 athletes from Russia and 22 from Belarus will meet the qualification criteria for the Paris Olympics. Athletes who are found to actively support the conflict in Ukraine or are associated with military or security agencies are ineligible to compete.

The IOC indicated that a decision regarding the participation of neutral athletes in the closing ceremony will be made at a later date. In October of the previous year, the IOC imposed a ban on the Russian Olympic Committee for violating the Olympic Charter by exerting control over regional sports organizations in four areas of Ukraine currently under occupation.

The exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding international sports participation. This decision by the International Olympic Committee reflects efforts to address concerns and maintain the integrity of the Games amid geopolitical tensions. As the global community navigates these challenges, it reaffirms the importance of upholding principles of fairness, neutrality, and respect within the realm of international athletics.