World Aquatics has announced the lifting of sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete with their national flags and anthems. The decision, made in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit and the World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee, means that senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sporting nationality can now participate in events with their respective uniforms, flags, and anthems. Athletes from these countries must pass four anti-doping controls and background checks before competing.
The Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer restrict senior athletes from Belarus and Russia. Athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will now have the same opportunities as athletes from other countries to compete in World Aquatics events. The World Aquatics Bureau, in collaboration with the International Testing Agency, will ensure that athletes meet anti-doping requirements before participation.
World Aquatics and the AQIU have been successful in maintaining a conflict-free environment in sporting venues over the past three years. The president of World Aquatics, Husain Al Musallam, emphasized the importance of ensuring peaceful competition for athletes of all nations. Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, expressed his approval of World Aquatics’ decision to reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes on equal terms with athletes from other nations. Russia and Belarus have also regained their full membership rights under Article 6 of the World Aquatics Constitution.
