Russian and Belarusian Competitors to Return to Competition as 'Individual Neutral Athletes'

24th May 2023

Following the Mid-Year Meeting of the World Sailing Council, the World Sailing Board has met to consider the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in response to guidance for International Federations from the International Olympic Committee.

All Council Members attending the Mid-Year Meeting as elected representatives of World Sailing’s Member National Authorities were given the opportunity to offer their region’s view. Although there was no formal vote, there was very clear majority support for maintaining World Sailing’s current position in relation to the return to international competition for athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus.

After considering all views expressed in the meeting by World Sailing Council Members, the Board has agreed on the following:

The Board continues to support the IOC’s guidance and the Fundamental Principles of Olympism in the Olympic Charter; and equally, the key principles of non-discrimination of athletes, and the separation of sport and politics highlighted by both the IOC Executive Board and ASOIF Council. The Board recognises that the Fundamental Principles of Olympism inform the IOC’s recommendation to allow the return of Russian and Belarusian competitors as individual neutral athletes.

Given the timing of the return is a matter for the International Federations, the Board’s decision remains consistent: April 2024 is the targeted opportunity for sailors with a Russian or Belarusian passport to return to international competition as neutrals.

With regards to Olympic qualification, the Semaine Olympique Française (SOF), is an event at this time and presents opportunities for sailors with a Russian or Belarusian passport to compete as individual neutrals in qualifying for Paris 2024.

World Sailing says it remains 'wholly committed to supporting Ukraine’s sailing community through what continues to be an unimaginably difficult time'.

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World Sailing Information

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Founded in 1907, World Sailing's vision is for a world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing; inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature; we all work to protect the waters of the world.

World Sailing is made up of 144 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and 117 World Sailing Class Associations.