International Olympic Committee insists on banning Russian national team

Russian athletes may participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, but not under their country's flag - even if the war in Ukraine is over by then.

This was stated by the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry in an interview with Italian media. According to her, the IOC's decision remains unchanged and both Russians and Belarusians can only start as "neutral" individuals.

The decision follows Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and also applies to the next Games, which will be held from February 6-22.

Coventry has also hinted that the future of the Olympics may be in a model split between multiple cities, such as the one Italy is pursuing this year.

The IOC has not yet officially confirmed her comments to Corriere della Sera.

(reuters, pir)