World Aquatics Lifts Neutrality Rules for Russian and Belarusian Athletes

World Aquatics, the global governing body for aquatic sports, announced a significant policy change on Monday, removing restrictions that required Russian and Belarusian senior athletes to compete as neutrals.

Athletes from these countries will now be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events, such as world championships, wearing their national uniforms, with their national flags displayed, and their anthems played.

The decision applies only to World Aquatics events. Athletes will still be required to undergo four anti-doping tests and background checks before competing.

Background and Immediate Reaction

World Aquatics initially excluded Russia and Belarus from its events following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A year later, it allowed limited participation as neutrals, and had previously relaxed rules for junior athletes.

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov thanked World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam for the decision, stating it enables "the orderly restoration of sporting ties." Al Musallam stated the organization is "determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."

In response, Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, condemned the decision. He stated that returning the flag to a country that "disregards and systematically destroys" fair rules is a "wake-up call for the entire sports community."

On the same day as the announcement, Ukraine's men's water polo team forfeited a scheduled World Cup game in Malta against a team of Russian athletes, who were officially labeled "Neutral Athletes B." World Aquatics stated the Ukrainians "voluntarily chose not to start," resulting in a 5-0 default win for the Russian team. Ukrainian media reported the boycott was a protest against the Russian team's involvement.

Broader Context in International Sports

The move by World Aquatics is part of a wider, fragmented approach among global sports federations regarding Russian and Belarusian participation.

• International Olympic Committee (IOC) Stance: The IOC currently maintains a policy for senior competitions where eligible athletes from these countries can compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs) without national symbols. A similar policy allowed 32 AIN athletes at the recent Paris Olympics. In December, the IOC recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian youth athletes to compete in international events under their own flag and anthem.
• Varying Federation Policies: Other sports bodies have taken different paths. The International Judo Federation allowed Russian athletes to compete under their national flag last year. In contrast, World Athletics maintains a blanket ban on Russian athletes.
• FIFA's Position: In international football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated the governing body would consider lifting its ban, stating the sanction “has not achieved anything.” Russia remains excluded from recent and upcoming FIFA and UEFA tournaments.

Criticism and Opposition

The potential reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes has faced significant opposition.

• Ukrainian Position: Ukraine's government remains firmly opposed. Minister Matvii Bidnyi has argued that changing restrictions would "legitimise this evil," advocating for continued pressure until the conflict ends. Ukrainian officials report that over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed, and 814 sports facilities have been damaged since the invasion began.
• Global Athlete Advocacy: The international athlete advocacy group Global Athlete has criticized the IOC's neutral athlete policy. In an open letter, the group argued that the decision "enabled" Russia, contending that the vetting process for AIN athletes is inadequate. The group calls for increased sanctions on Russia until the conflict ends and Russia withdraws from Ukraine.

Official Statements on Sport and Politics

Senior sports officials have made public statements regarding the role of sport in geopolitical contexts.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, speaking at a meeting in Milan, stated, "we are a sports organisation," emphasizing the aim to keep sport a neutral ground where athletes can compete without governmental political influence. These comments were interpreted by some as hinting at a potential future review of restrictions.

Any future actions by the IOC, FIFA, or other major sports bodies to lift bans on Russian and Belarusian participation are expected to face continued opposition, particularly in Europe, while the conflict in Ukraine continues.