The International Federation of Blind Sports has suspended Russia’s membership for two years

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) announced the suspension of membership of Russia and Belarus for the next two years. At the same time, the IBSA executive board allowed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Olympics in Paris in a neutral status, the statement says. press releasepublished October 16.

Thus, IBSA supported the decision of the General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), accepted at the meeting on September 29. The majority of committee members supported the suspension of membership of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) for two years.

The decision was explained by the fact that the PKR violated some clauses of the IPC constitution. It was not specified what violations were being referred to. At the same time, RKR President Pavel Rozhkov previously said that the international organization is not satisfied with the assistance that the Russian Paralympic structure provides to seriously wounded participants in the special operation in Ukraine.

At the same time, the IPC recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes in a neutral status at the 2024 Games. To participate in competitions under the auspices of the organization, they will have to undergo verification. Admission criteria have not yet been made public.

The Paralympic Games in Paris will be held from August 28 to September 8, and the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11. The Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games didn’t accept decision on the admission of Russian athletes, as it awaits IOC recommendations.

Read more about the IPC decision in the Kommersant article “A window to Paris was opened for Paralympians”.

Lusine Balasyan