Provisional reinstatement follows legal review
The International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday that it has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, a measure that has been in place since October 2023 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The decision came after the IOC's Legal Affairs Commission conducted a thorough analysis, concluding that the Russian committee no longer includes regional sports bodies operating in Ukrainian‑controlled territories.
While the reinstatement signals a potential return for Russian athletes under a neutral banner, the IOC reiterated its condemnation of the February 2022 full‑scale invasion and stressed that the move is contingent on the ROC ensuring that selected competitors embody peaceful values.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has said it will re‑evaluate Russia's participation in the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a development that could open the door for Russian clubs to compete on the world stage again.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he is waiting for further clarification on how Russia's athletes and teams will be integrated into future international tournaments.