International Rowing Federation allows Russian athletes to compete

The International Rowing Federation (World Rowing) announced on Wednesday that some Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate in international competitions in neutral status.

World Rowing “has decided to allow a limited number of eligible sports people, holding Russian and Belarusian passports, will compete as individual neutral athletes in a limited number of boat classes at the upcoming World Rowing Championships.”

The eligibility of those athletes would be determined by several criteria, including a background check to ensure they are not associated with, or publicly supporting, the conflict in Ukraine in any form, and an enhanced anti-doping control process, the sport’s governing body stated.

Athletes could only compete under the principle of absolute neutrality. It includes no flags, anthems, uniforms, or emblems.