IFSC process to reinstate Russia, Belarus players

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has approved to start a process for the reinstatement of athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports as neutral athletes starting from 2024.
 
Under the terms of the approved process, which adhere to guidelines issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this year, athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports will be required to obtain neutral licences as a precondition to register themselves to IFSC events from 2024.
 
The IFSC Executive Board decision was based on Task Force recommendations presented on 7 June, after reaffirming the support for the Ukrainian athletes, and the principles of the separation of sport and politics, as well as of all athletes being able to compete.
 
The Task Force was appointed by the Executive Board on 10 May this year and composed of the President of the Oceania Council Naomi Cleary, the President of the Athletes’ Commission Shauna Coxsey, and the IFSC Research & Development Director Silvia Verdolini.
 
Upon presenting the report, Cleary said: “The Task Force considered it vital to find practical solutions to the concerns raised by athletes, National Federations and event organisers through a broad consultation process.”