EU Considers Sanctions and Visa Restrictions to Block Russian and Belarusian Athletes from Competing Under National Flags

The EU is considering measures to curb the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sports under their national flags following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ease restrictions, Euractiv reported on Thursday, citing EU diplomats.

The proposals were outlined by the EU diplomatic service and the European Commission in a non-paper and have yet to become a formal EC proposal, according to the outlet.

Measures under discussion include targeted sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals linked to Russian and Belarusian sports. Brussels is also considering using EU funding as leverage by restricting financial support for organizations that allow athletes from the two countries to compete under their national symbols.

Another option would seek to curb media revenues linked to Russian athletes, although diplomats have acknowledged that the measure could be difficult to implement. The EU could also approach third countries in an effort to discourage them from facilitating the return of Russian and Belarusian competitors under their national flags.

The proposals have already faced resistance within the bloc. Slovakia blocked a draft set of conclusions discussed by EU security ambassadors on Tuesday, Euractiv reported, citing three diplomats. EU governments reportedly remain divided over how far they should intervene in decisions traditionally made by independent sports federations.

The Commission and the EU diplomatic service are expected to develop further proposals ahead of an EU ministerial meeting on education, sport and culture on November 20.

The discussions follow the IOC’s July decision to provisionally lift restrictions on the Russian and Belarusian Olympic committees, potentially opening the way for their athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics under national symbols. The IOC has said decisions concerning flags, anthems and other national identification at future Games will be made later.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from many international competitions after the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022, although a number of sports federations have since eased restrictions.

Russian athletes have subsequently secured several major international titles. In July, 19-year-old Pavel Graudyn won the men’s individual saber title at the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong.

In August, Evgeniia Chikunova won the women’s 200-meter breaststroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, setting a championship record of 2:19.32 while competing under neutral status.