IOC President Gives Strongest Hint Yet on Russia's 2028 Olympic Participation
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, has delivered her most explicit indication to date that Russian athletes could be permitted to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Speaking at the 145th IOC congress in Milan, Coventry emphasised the principle of keeping sport as a neutral ground, a stance that has ignited immediate controversy with Ukrainian officials.
Coventry's Call for Neutrality in Sport
In her opening address, Coventry argued passionately that all athletes should have the opportunity to participate in international sport, irrespective of the actions of their governments. While not mentioning Russia by name, the context of her remarks was widely understood to refer to the nation's exclusion following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
"Throughout the campaign and in many of our conversations since, I have heard the same message from many of you," Coventry stated. "Focus on our core. We are a sports organisation. We understand politics and we know we don't operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments."
She continued, "In a world that is increasingly divided, this principle matters more than ever. It is what allows the Olympic Games to remain a place of inspiration where the athletes of the world can come together and showcase the best of our humanity."
Ukrainian Officials Condemn the Stance
Coventry's comments came just one day after FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his desire to see Russia reinstated in international football, describing the current ban as ineffective. This parallel move has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine's Sports Minister, Matvii Bidnyi, who labelled Infantino's remarks as "irresponsible" and "infantile."
Bidnyi highlighted the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian athletes, noting that over 650 athletes and coaches have been killed since the conflict began, including 100 footballers. "War is a crime, not politics," he asserted. "It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify aggression. As long as Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicising sport, their flag and national symbols have no place among people who respect values such as justice, integrity, and fair play."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, escalated the condemnation, linking the situation to the controversial 1936 Olympics. "679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football – Russia killed them," he posted on social media. "And it keeps killing more while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans, despite Russia's failure to end its war. Future generations will view this as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics."
Russian Response and Current Sporting Landscape
The Russian IOC member, Shamil Tarpischev, welcomed Coventry's address, confirming that relations with the IOC have improved significantly. "It was emphasised in her speech that the political component shouldn't play a role," he told German media. "Because sport is inspiration and the future. So far, everything is going smoothly and honourably. But we still have a lot of discussions to make."
Currently, Russia remains banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the invasion, though its teams are allowed to play friendlies. In December, the IOC advised governing bodies to permit Russian youth athletes to compete under their own flag, leading to FIFA's announcement of a new under-15 festival open to all member associations.
At the upcoming Milano Cortina Games, only 13 Russian athletes will compete as neutrals, a stark reduction from the 200 who participated in Beijing. In football, Russian youth teams have engaged in UEFA development tournaments, while senior matches have been limited to allies like Belarus, Serbia, and North Macedonia.
Prospects for a Full Return Remain Uncertain
Despite these signals, a full reinstatement for Russia in international football appears highly unlikely while the war persists. Opposition across Europe remains robust, with any vote by FIFA or UEFA councils expected to fail. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between the ideals of sporting neutrality and the realities of geopolitical conflict, setting the stage for further contentious discussions as the 2028 Olympics approach.
