Athletes from Russia and Belarus will now be permitted to compete in senior World Aquatics events under their national flags, marking a significant policy shift by the sport's global governing body.
Competitors from both nations have been restricted to neutral status since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus closely aligned. This change follows a previous decision in December that allowed junior athletes from these countries to compete under their flags, based on recommendations from an International Olympic Committee summit.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasized the organization's commitment to maintaining sports venues as spaces for peaceful competition. "Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the Aquatics Integrity Unit have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues," he stated. "We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."
In its official announcement, World Aquatics confirmed that senior athletes with Russian or Belarusian sport nationality will now compete "in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
"Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
However, participation comes with strict conditions. Athletes must successfully pass at least four consecutive anti-doping controls and complete background checks with the Aquatics Integrity Unit. These tests will be conducted in partnership with the International Testing Agency.
This decision aligns with recent moves by other international sports bodies. The International Paralympic Committee recently admitted Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flag at the Milan-Cortina Games. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested in February that world football's governing body might consider lifting its ban on Russia, though this proposal drew criticism from Ukrainian officials.
The policy change represents a notable development in the ongoing reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes into international sports competitions following years of restrictions.