IOC moves to end neutral status vetting for Russian athletes ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Lausanne (Switzerland), Jul 7 (AP) The IOC advised Olympic sports bodies on Tuesday to end a three-year program vetting Russians for neutral status ahead of qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Olympic Committee eased its entry requirements for Russian athletes and teams while provisionally lifting its suspension since October 2023 of the Russian Olympic Committee. The terms of that suspension — imposed when the Russian Olympic body incorporated regional sports councils from occupied regions of Ukraine — no longer applied, the IOC said. The IOC did not yet approve letting Russian athletes and teams compete with their flag and anthem. That decision will come “at an appropriate time.” The next Olympic competition is the 2026 Youth Summer Games in Dakar, Senegal opening Oct. 31. (AP) APA APA