Why the doors of world sports continue to be closed for belarus
World Athletics has refused to follow the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation to reinstate belarusian athletes in international competitions under their national flag.
The federation stated that any review of the restrictions would only be possible if there is real progress in peace negotiations and an end to russia’s war against Ukraine. The decision comes ahead of the start of qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
▫️ The decision to exclude representatives of belarus from competing under their state flag is a logical consequence of the policies of the alexander lukashenko regime. belarusian territory, infrastructure, and political resources continue to support the russian armed forces in the war against Ukraine.
The claim that “sport is outside politics” is misleading in the context of global security. Easing restrictions by individual federations is a harmful step, as the lukashenka regime has still not been held properly accountable for its role in the war.
