Winter Paralympics: A watershed moment as sports exile ends in Russia

IOC President Kirsty Coventry certainly suggested this recently when she said: “Our game is sport. This means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, unhampered by the politics or divisions of their governments.”

Although they did not directly refer to any specific country, the comments were widely interpreted as indicating the possibility of the partial Olympic ban on Russia and Belarus being lifted. Her words were warmly welcomed by Russian officials, with the Sports Minister suggesting that the IOC might consider returning to work in the spring.

So could Russia’s Olympic exile be over by the time of the Los Angeles Games in 2028? Notably, Paolo Zampolli, US President Donald Trump’s special representative for global partnerships, appeared to support Russian participation in the Paralympics, reportedly saying that “sport is for everyone.”, external

While some international sports organizations – such as the World Athletics Federation – continued to impose blanket bans on Russian athletes, others began to ease restrictions.

For example, last year the International Judo Federation allowed them to compete under their national flag. In December, the International Olympic Committee advised sports governing bodies to allow young Russian athletes to compete in international events again, under their flag and national anthem.

In international football, there are also moves to reintegrate Russia. The country was unable to compete in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and will not be part of the 2026 World Cup. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently said the governing body would consider lifting the ban, adding that the punishment “achieved nothing” and “created more frustration and hatred.”

Ukraine’s opposition to such moves remains firm. According to the Sports Minister, Russia killed more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, and damaged 814 sports facilities.

“Now is the time for sport to show leadership, not weakness,” says Global Athlete, an international athlete-led movement and campaign.

“The global sports community must stand together and demand that the IOC increase sanctions on Russia, not ease them.

“Russia should only be allowed to return when the war is over and Russia withdraws from Ukraine. A peaceful Ukrainian state needs support, not enablers.”

The IOC may have paved the way for other global sporting bodies to try to follow suit. At a time of geopolitical turmoil, and increasingly frequent calls for these organizations to take a stance against some countries, the suspension of Russia’s membership can be seen as undermining these organizations’ insistence on separating sports and politics.

But as the conflict continues, any moves by the IOC, FIFA or other sporting bodies to do so will face significant opposition, especially in Europe.