GENEVA, June 25. /Dunyo IA/. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved amendments to the Olympic Charter that strengthen provisions on the political neutrality of sport and athletes, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing the committee’s statement.

The amendments reinforce the principle that sport must remain free from political interference. The document emphasizes the IOC’s role in ensuring neutrality “at all times, free from governmental, cultural, societal or economic pressure.”

It also clarifies that sports organizations within the Olympic Movement are required to maintain permanent neutrality. The IOC stated that the changes are intended to protect the Olympic Movement from external influence and prevent the Games from being used for political purposes.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the reform is aimed at preserving the unique character of the Olympic Games as a space for peaceful competition and international unity.

“Participation should be determined by sporting achievements, not politics,” she said, adding that organizations will need time to assess the practical implementation of the new rules.

It is worth noting that participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions has been restricted following the state doping scandal and amid the conflict in Ukraine. In 2022, several athletes were suspended from competitions, and in 2023 the Russian Olympic Committee’s activities were suspended.

In May, the IOC lifted some restrictions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete in qualifying events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The issue of a possible return of Russian athletes is still under discussion, but no final decision has been made.

The IOC has also faced criticism regarding the participation of Israeli athletes in the 2024 Olympic Games, when the Olympic Committee of Palestine called on the IOC to ban Israel from the Paris Games.