Sports federations begin readmitting Russian athletes after IOC lifts ban

The International Table Tennis Federation on Monday confirmed the reinstatement of athletes holding Russian passports, while the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne lifted all sanctions against Russian competitors, making them among the first sports to formally welcome Russia back following the International Olympic Committee's decision last week to provisionally lift its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.reuters+2

The moves drew swift condemnation from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who said the IOC's decision to invite Russian athletes back to international competitions "ignored reality" and was "out of touch." According to EU News, all foreign ministers at Monday's EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting expressed opposition to the readmission.eunews+2

The IOC's Decision

On July 7, the IOC executive board provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which had been in place since October 2023, citing "the need to offer equal access to these competitions to all athletes" ahead of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. The IOC said its recommended conditions restricting Russian athletes' participation were "no longer applicable," though it has not yet decided whether Russia can display its flag, colors, or anthem at future Olympic events.politico+2

Russian athletes had competed as neutrals at the Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026 Games under a vetting process that has now been removed.reuters+1

European Pushback

The backlash has extended beyond rhetoric. Estonia called for the IOC and any international sports federation permitting Russia's return to be excluded from EU funding programs, including Erasmus+. The proposal targets organizations such as the International Fencing Federation and World Aquatics in addition to the IOC.news.err

The ITTF said its reinstatement would take effect from July 28, in line with the IOC's recommendation. Modern pentathlon's governing body announced its decision on July 9, according to Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev.iz+3

What Remains Unresolved

The IOC has reserved judgment on whether Russian athletes will compete at the 2028 Olympics under their national flag and anthem — the symbols that have been barred since 2016. No Olympic events will be hosted in Russia, and Russian officials will not receive invitations to IOC functions. World Athletics remains a notable holdout, maintaining its full ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.npr+2